Gurnee teen's perspective on ISIS

Rayyan Samdani, a 15-year-old freshman at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, is used to living a structured, monitored life - a product of the suburban culture and engaged, caring parents.

In fact, he says, "I think I'm self-monitoring myself without even knowing it."

That includes browsing the Internet with a discerning eye.

"For suburban kids, ISIS is actually brutal looking," he said. "If I catch myself reading things like sites saying ISIS is pure Muslim and they are implementing real Islam, then I just exit it because I know that's not real Islam. I am living the real Islamic life, not what ISIS is saying it is."

Rayyan said some fellow students at Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake where he previously attended called him a terrorist. At Warren, there is a lot more acceptance of diversity, he added.

"They know me personally," he said. "They know that (ISIS) is not Islam because they have an example right in front of them."