What makes you a Difference Maker?
What truly makes me a Difference Maker is my effort to create a large-inclusive community on campus. I raised awareness regarding the braille signs in several buildings. Some of them were not correct, while other buildings didn’t even have any braille signs, so, I reported it to the appropriate departments on campus; we are in the stage of making these improvements now. Also, I make a positive difference through my public speaking engagements, volunteering activities with enormous number of organizations and associations and by overcoming the challenges that stand in my way as a result of my visual challenge. It’s very important for the public to know that although I’m blind, that nothing stands between me and the ultimate success. In addition, I’m able to make a difference through my academic achievements. Gaining knowledge and skills are helping me a lot, and giving back to my community and the foundations that I serve.
Highlight your campus achievements:
There are so many achievements that I can mention. I got selected to join the National Society of Leadership and Success due to my academic performance and community service. Also, I was chosen to join the National Honor Society based upon my academic performance and progress. In addition, I volunteer with several organizations on campus, such as Orphan Relief, the Alliance of Disability Awareness and the Martin Luther King Service Day. Furthermore, I was on the Dean's List this semester as a result of my great GPA. I joined Student Government on campus so I can voice my concerns as a disabled student. Moreover, I’m able to make a huge difference through fixing the braille signs in some buildings, and, not to mention, a couple of buildings that don’t have these braille signs will be labeled very soon—this is a great transition. This transition will continue to progress because I will keep on spreading education regarding students with special challenges. Our fellow student body might not have been exposed to such a thing in the past, so, it’s our responsibility to show them that nothing is impossible and that anything can be achieved.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
I’m not only an active student on campus, but I’m very active in my community as well. I’m a public speaker who gets invited to speak in front of students at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and even universities. I speak about overcoming obstacles, challenges and paving the way towards success. In addition, I take on leadership roles with a number of organizations, such as Foundation Fighting Blindness, Make A Wish Foundation, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Lebanese American Heritage Club, the Lions Club, the Exchange Club, the Rotary Club, Dearborn Goodfellows, etc. With each foundation and organization, I plan events, speak, collect donations and communicate with the public.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
Just like any dreamer, my dream is to live a very happy and prosperous life. My goal is to become a successful attorney. I’m determined to become a public servant; I love empowering and motivating people; so I have this on my plate as well. I use my story and my disability as a source of energy and positivity. So, for the long term, I would love to see myself as an active member of this world who will leave an incredible mark after his death.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
It’s a pleasure and honor to be a student at UM-Dearborn. However, the most upstanding moment that truly defined my well-being on this campus was when the administration listened to my concerns and took them in their highest regards. Not only that, in fact, they rushed to work on fixing them. I love the fact that I’m able to play a role in keeping everyone safe, inclusive and making our lovely campus a welcoming place, just like home. I highly admire the priorities that the university has decided to resemble in its mission and platform. Overall, I’ll graduate with pride and the most valuable knowledge and skills needed so that I can succeed at my job.