Building Identity in Youth

Explore the multifaceted process of identity formation during adolescence. This paper defines identity as the unique characteristics, values, and beliefs that distinguish individuals. It emphasizes the crucial role of adolescence in identity development and the various factors that shape this process, including family, cultural expectations, and personal experiences. Authors highlight the importance of positive reinforcement, responsibility, and open communication in helping teens develop a strong sense of self. Practical steps for parents and educators are provided, such as focusing on individual strengths and setting achievable goals. Additionally, the paper underscores the significance of Islamic teachings in shaping a positive self-identity, noting that being identified as Muslims plays a significant role in the identity of young individuals.

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Esraa Badr, MD.

A positive youth development researcher at the Islamic Leadership Institute of America. She holds an MBBCh degree from Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt with focused training in adult and child neuropsychiatry specialties combined with neurology training at Selcuk University, Turkey. Currently, she is a pediatrician at the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt, and a participant in the Clinical Research Scholars Training Program (CSRT) by Harvard Medical School. She is focused on mental health issues affecting youth as part of her postgraduate studies at the High Institute of Public Health, Egypt. Esraa is also a member of the Mental Health Research Network in Egypt and has participated in several research projects on different mental health issues. She is a writer and mental health promoter with a special interest in parenting issues. Esraa also participated in many civil work projects targeting public awareness about mental health affairs.

Ayman Nassar, M.Sc.

Founder of the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA), with over 25 years of experience in enterprise architecture, enterprise, individual transformation, and youth development. Over the past 20 years, he has coached, taught, and counseled hundreds of youth and young professionals and has been a certified mentor and coach with Big Brother Big Sister, Lutheran Social Services, Dar Al-Taqwa, Prince George’s Community College Asian, Latino, African, Native American (ALANA), New Beginnings Youth Center, Howard County Detention Center, and ILIA. Ayman is a member of the Howard County Reentry Council and the Howard County Ethnic Diversity Round Table. He holds two Master's degrees in electrical engineering, engineering management, and systems engineering and holds certifications in half a dozen leadership areas. He has been trained in cultural competence, youth development, reentry, psychology, and curriculum development and has devised over 200+ courses and programs for youth and adults. He was faculty at the University of California,

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