Zaynah Taleb believes in giving back to her community. The biological sciences major dreams of becoming a trauma surgeon so that she can make an instant impact on her patients' lives when they need it most. Until that day, Zaynah has been gaining leadership experience through student organizations and volunteering in the community. She has served as a senator in Student Government and as the main event coordinator for the Alliance for Disability Awareness. As a civilian supporter of veterans, she came to join both the Association of Women Veterans—where she served as president—and the Student Veterans Association (SVA). As a member of the SVA, she was voted as the officer of camaraderie, a position where she served as the civilian liaison to connect the veteran community with the UM-Dearborn student body. In addition to working with veterans, she loves working with children and volunteers with Livonia Public Schools’ English Language Volunteer program and the YMCA. Here she shares her thoughts on service and why she gives back.

Zaynah, in her own words

On working with veterans. “My defining moment at UM-Dearborn was finally finding my place. I tried to be interested in some of the organizations on campus, but I never felt like I belonged. I needed to write a research paper for a composition class that focused on the VA Healthcare System and its support for veterans. To get all the first hand experience needed, I interviewed a group of student veterans. By just walking into an office to interview the group, I found a space where I belong. Some may think I shouldn’t belong to the Veteran’s Affairs group since I am not a veteran. However, being a dependent of a former Air Force Space Operations officer illuminated the importance of being an advocate. Without him, I don’t think I would have gotten involved so much and am thankful and grateful for his service everyday. I believe veterans are highly misunderstood, and should be honored, respected, appreciated, and recognized for the time they dedicated for their country. Finding my space was one of the most important pieces of my time at UM-Dearborn.”

On her future career goals. “Dr. Zaynah Taleb, trauma surgeon. With no doubt, this is my future. At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be some type of doctor, from dermatologist to otolaryngologist to emergency physician. I finally have set my heart on a trauma surgeon due to the rush that comes with the job. At any time, a slow day or night can turn into pandemonium. As a trauma surgeon, I will physically have the ability to change someone’s life by making quick, life-saving decisions. It will take many grueling hours to get where I want to be in the end, but I have never been more prepared for something. I will take any obstacles that come my way and turn them into amazing learning experiences to grow from. The ability to work quickly in a fast paced environment is a task I can’t wait to start.”

On what makes her a Difference Maker: “I am a Difference Maker because I continuously work to improve the quality of life for others, from working with veterans on and off campus, to helping children’s education grow. My service to others has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. At twelve years old, I was already dedicating my time and savings to organizations that were aiming to make a difference with my community. Today, I dedicate any free time I have to give back to my community both on and off campus. I want people to know that there is always someone out there to support them. In my eyes I see myself as a supporter through being a civilian for veterans, an adult for kids, and a body for the community.”