Lisa Krantz Photography

Bridge Between Two Worlds

A graduate of the class of 2005, Isra Ayad is a first-generation Muslim coming of age in the post 9-11 era.

Moments before O'Connor High School's graduation procession, Isra Ayad waits anxiously for the ceremony to begin at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.
  
Irma Vasquez and Isra Ayad, right, have lunch together with other friends at O'Connor High School in San Antonio.
  
Isra Ayad watches boys play basketball after an education class at the Islamic Center of San Antonio before evening prayers.
     
  
Isra Ayad closes up her family's booth at the flea market on a Saturday afternoon. Although Isra hopes to become a pediatrician, she works at her family's business, Brothers Sound, which has several San Antonio locations, and wants her own store.
  
Isra Ayad's grandmother, left, and mother, right, help her pick out a dress for her graduation party. "I love every single one of them," Isra said while picking out her first formal dress which she will only be able to wear without being covered in front of women.
  
Two of Isra's loves, big SUVs and her family, decorate the mirror in the bedroom she shares with two sisters as she wraps a hijab around her head as she dresses for her graduation ceremony.
     
  
Isra Ayad cheers for the San Antonio Spurs while her father, Ali Ayad, cheers for the Seattle Sonics during the last few seconds of a close NBA playoff game at their home in San Antonio.
  
Isra walks between classes at O'Connor High School. Couples and classmates in more revealing clothing surround Isra every day but as a Muslim woman she cannot date or show her skin.
  
"This is better than Prom," Isra Ayad says as she walks family members towards the limousine her father got for her to ride home in after her graduation ceremony in San Antonio. She was not allowed to attend prom without her father as a chaperone so she didn't go.
     
  
Isra Ayad hides in the laundry room while she waits for her aunt to bring her a hijab after a cousin older than her and not an immediate family member arrives at her graduation party. Before his arrival the women had their hijabs off and danced freely together.
  
Iman Ayad, 14, films her sister, Isra Ayad, while their mother, Saila Ayad, looks on from the kitchen during Isra's graduation party at her home in San Antonio. Isra was allowed to wear makeup, her hair down and a dress with a shawl that showed parts of her body which must normally remain covered but only in front of women and immediate family.
  
Cristal Ayyad, 19, fans her cousin, Isra Ayad, towards the end of Isra's graduation party. Isra was able to wear a dress and shawl with her hair down until Cristal's brother came to the party. When a older man who is not immediate family is in her presence, Isra must cover herself although Cristal has made the choice to not cover.