This week we Take Five with Murad Yassin, a homeschooled high schooler who is a member of the local 4-H Club and creator of "Seeds of Faith" seed bank. Murad collects organic seeds and gives them to backyard gardeners in an effort to spread the word on good health and organic gardening. Be sure to go to our website, westmilfordmessenger.com, for our bonus five with Murad.
Name: Murad Yassin
Age: 15
School/Grade: Homeschooled
Activity: 4-H Project: "Seeds of Faith" Seed Bank
1. How did you get involved with Seeds of Faith?
Last year, as my 4-H project, I started the seed bank (Seeds of Faith) at the West Milford Library. I work at my family business, Green Life Market, where I collected all the seeds for the seed bank. That was where it all started.
2. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is Vandana Shiva, she is an activist for seed freedom. I attended one of her lectures at Vassar College and she really inspired me to start the seed bank right here in West Milford.
3. What would most people be surprised to know about the seed bank?
I think most people don't realize how easy it is to change their unhealthy eating habits by simply starting an organic garden.
4. Who is your favorite teacher of all time? Why?
I do not have many teachers since I am homeschooled. The world is my teacher most of the time, but I would say my mother is my favorite because she encourages me to never stop learning and pursue my interests.
5. What do you do with your time, when you are not doing 4-H stuff?
I read, I attend a lot of home school activities, I workout at the gym and I work at Green Life Market.
Keep spreading the good word on healthy eating and organic home gardening! Great job, Murad. And on Monday, April 27, the West Milford Time Bank will host Murad and the 4-H Club at its annual seed exchange. It happens at 7 p.m. at Hillcrest on Macopin Road.
Bonus five
6. Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island?
A big knife, flint, and lots of rope. Is a boat allowed?
7. Share a favorite moment with 4-H Club.
I don't really have a favorite moment because it is always fun to be with my 4-H club!
8. What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Although I don't attend West Milford High School, I do support all my friends that are Highlanders.
9. What is your favorite movie, book or character? Why?
My favorite books are the Percy Jackson series, because I like Greek Mythology and Rick Riordan is an awesome author.
10. Share something no one knows about you.
I'm like an open book, I have no secrets!