What makes you a Difference Maker?

A true servant to one’s community is not putting yourself first. That is what makes a Difference Maker. Providing a support system for anyone I meet is a priority to me; we never know what they are truly facing. I seize every opportunity to develop myself academically, professionally, and emotionally. I am a Difference Maker because I do whatever it takes to reach my goals while still maintaining my commitment to serving others. I will gladly make sacrifices to reach my goal of becoming a physician. Ultimately, I will have a lifetime career of serving others in the most challenging conditions. Whatever misfortune I face, I may cry at first, but I will happily endure it and get past it because it will make me stronger. I do not tolerate the thought of giving excuses to myself. I am a first-generation student pursuing the pre-medicine track. Being first-generation is walking in a dark tunnel wishing and hoping someone can walk through it with you. Realizing it’s a path you must walk alone is scary but life-changing. Fortunately, I was blessed with an amazing faculty member, Dr. Hershock, who continued to support me. He had a major impact on the person I am today and who I will be in the future. Standing strong and resilient against adversity and all that doubted my ability, only encourages me to support others even further and fight harder. There was a point where I was waiting for success to come but I realized I need to go after it and get it myself. What it requires does not worry me, I prepared myself to face this. I work full time while going to school full time and volunteering on the weekend to test patients for COVID-19.

Tell us about your leadership experience.

Being the president of the Benevolence Project which aims to spread awareness in our community about poverty, hunger, and homelessness. I transitioned into president right before the pandemic had shut down the campus. I had an urge to support others and I decided to create a safe space where students can directly message us through social media to help reduce stress while maintaining privacy.

I consistently volunteer with United Way Metro Detroit. At the last event, we wrote cards to children of lower reading levels. These cards were colorful and encouraging to these very young students while making a difference.

I volunteered with Northeast Integrated Health to help prepare an event for the homeless. This event provided the homeless with backpacks of clothes, coats, snacks, hygiene products, a meal, water, haircuts, flu shots, and other services. It was an honor and blessing to have contributed to that.

I supported orphans and widows in Iraq by starting a GoFundMe fundraiser. The money would go directly towards the children and widows in Iraq. The children would receive clothes in preparation for Eid and the women would get sewing machines. The women would be taught to sew so they can have a job that supports them and their children. This initiative was thankfully partnered with “Faid Alrahma Humanitarian Charity” in Iraq and a good amount of money was fundraised for them.

I continue to try my best to support people in my community that can not speak or understand English fluently. This is very difficult for them to help their kids with school. I offer to help with their assignments or ask their parents to text me their children's homework so I can explain it to the parents. I also translate legal documents for them. I love to encourage women in my community to pursue their education and get their citizenship; I volunteered to help two women that do not speak English to learn and get their citizenship. The sense of achievement and empowerment when they walked out of the interview could not be described in words. I felt very proud and grateful to have had this opportunity.

I am an Alumni with ACCESS ACTS which was an organization that empowers youth activism and community service. Additionally, I volunteered regularly with Helping Hands to sort and donate clothes for people in developing countries.

What is your dream career or goal?

My dream career is to be an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. I will do whatever it takes to reach this goal. I can not wrap my head around the amount of care, love, support, and relief that these physicians provide for a mother in labor. Empowering women and especially women of color is why I am pursuing this career. At the height of pain and suffering, it astonishes me how very few physicians genuinely take care of their patients. My aspiration would be to be the representation and encourage other women of color to do so as well, despite the barriers that exist.

My dream career is to be a part of Doctors Without Borders, serving in developing countries and war zones. Doctors Without Borders is an organization whose mission is to save lives. It would be an honor to be a part of this organization. That goal is front and center, reminding me of my purpose. I aspire to provide critical medical care to women that fled their homes due to war, natural disasters, violence, social marginalization, and other distressing environments. We are in the 21st century, no woman should have to go through labor alone in these conditions, with no medical care. As a society, we should strive to do better.

What is your most defining moment?

My most defining moment at UM-Dearborn was also the moment that changed my life. I always knew I had the strength and ability to conquer the academic barriers that I face but instead all I was hearing were excuses to myself when my grades were not reflective of my true ability. It hit me that I was making a comfort zone for myself because I was accustomed to many setbacks, I have not experienced success. I realized that I will forever be disappointed in myself if I don't face this problem. I was told numerous times that I should change paths and no longer pursue becoming a physician. It was in me to prove to myself that the same ability I have to endure setbacks, I can also use it in a positive way towards my academic career. I would not take any excuse from myself, and I will put in all the hours needed. I crossed paths with Dr. Hershock and he instantly saw my ability and strength which further encouraged me. His support had a significant impact on my ability to go the extra mile and pick myself up. With handwork, dedication, and consistency more doors began to open. I further applied my true ability to various aspects of my life; I went beyond my job responsibilities to help others. I knew that despite how hard it was to balance all my responsibilities, I could not sacrifice any aspect of helping others. Helping others is one responsibility that I will always put at the top of my list, ensuring only the best effort is put forth.