What makes you a Difference Maker?
A Difference Maker is someone who uses his or her time and love to leave a lasting impact on the community. I believe I was selected as a Difference Maker, along with the other recipients, because of our commitment to the UM-Dearborn community here on campus, but also to the larger community that surrounds us. I’ve had the privilege of working with countless students and faculty members in university organizations—during SI Sessions (both natural and behavioral sciences), in research and in the larger Metro Detroit Area. Moreover, my volunteer experiences range from student-led projects on campus, to community projects in Detroit, to young children at local elementary schools and to the elderly population through hospice. A Difference Maker is a person that sacrifices their own time and resources for the greater good of the people around them, someone who looks beyond the scope of themselves, and works to improve their community as a whole. My experiences as a student, SI Leader, research associate, student organization leader and volunteer for the disadvantaged population all have paved the way for me to have been fortunate enough to receive this award. Finally, a Difference Maker is someone who passes on their knowledge, resources and experiences to the people who follow, which is my last goal to accomplish here on campus. I want to pass on the wisdom I’ve received from fellow students and faculty who make up our wonderful campus. These experiences have made me realize what it takes to be the best version of myself everyday and how I can not only improve myself as a person, but more importantly, work to improve the community as well.
Highlight your campus achievements:
My number one priority when I came to UM-Dearborn was to start off strong academically. I put in the long hours and discipline necessary to achieve university Honors/Dean's List for all six full-time semesters (Fall 2013-Winter 2016) at UM-Dearborn. One of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate career was selecting psychology as my major. I thoroughly enjoyed the psychology courses and developed great relationships with fellow students and faculty as a student and supplemental instruction leader. I was awarded as a top student in psychology for the 2015-2016 school year for accomplishments in the classroom and community. Also, having the opportunity to be a SI leader for both psychology and chemistry is an experience I hold very dear. I love working with students on their weaknesses and finding solutions to their struggles. I also enjoyed working with students looking to further solidify and enhance their understanding of the material. I was fortunate enough to have been named SI Leader of the Year in the natural science department in April 2016. There have been several key events I’ve helped organize here on campus that stick out to me. Most specifically, as an executive member of Phi Delta Epsilon, I had the wonderful opportunity to help raise thousands of dollars for the Children's Miracle Network through several fundraising events such as bake sales, raffles and donation drives. All in all, I can attribute my achievements as a student, researcher and SI leader as a direct result to the unique opportunities and resources available here at UM-Dearborn.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
I wanted to challenge myself outside the classroom by looking for leadership opportunities on campus. This paved the way for me to earn the position for president of Biology Club, vice president of recruitment for Phi Delta Epsilon, vice president of Mentors for a Brighter Day, and treasurer of Global Brigades. These wonderful organizations instilled leadership and management skills I can use later in my career. Being a SI leader has been my favorite experience here at UM-Dearborn. This position helped me improve my communication skills, as well as understanding the struggles students go through with coursework from their respective classes. As a SI leader, I worked closely with not only students, but also faculty. The friendships I’ve developed through the program will last far past my time here at UM-Dearborn. Finally, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a research associate for the Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program (EMRAP). This program is a collaboration between UM-Dearborn, Madonna University and St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Livonia, and is designed to expose pre-health students to clinical research in a hospital setting. After a year with the program, I was selected as a program chief. As chief, I facilitate and organize the program for newly selected research associates and maintain the daily operations of the program. All of these experiences have helped mold me into the person I am today. The faculty and students I’ve worked with on campus have taught me so much—not only about the world around me, but also about myself. I’ve learned more about my own weaknesses and how I can work on improving myself as a student, a professional, but most importantly, as a human being.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
My dream career and long-term life goal overlap in a few ways. I’m excited to start medical school at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine this summer, which will further help prepare me for a career in medicine. After medical school, I hope to further expand my education with a masters degree in public health. I hope to use the skills and expertise I gain in graduate school to improve the welfare of our community here in Metro Detroit—by facilitating the establishment of free health care clinics and workshops, which can have a profound influence on the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our own backyard. Moreover, I hope to travel to underserved areas around the world, where people have fallen victim to the failures and horrors of society. This goal is very dear to my heart, as my family experienced this type of injustice as they sought refuge from Iraq in the early 1990s. I hope to pay it forward and serve to improve the welfare of people with similar circumstances. In conclusion, my goal at the end of the day is to specialize in emergency medicine with a background in public health, as well as maintaining a presence in the community, as a physician, friend, father, husband and mentor.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
As I reflect back on my experiences at UM-Dearborn, several profound moments come to mind—through my time in classes, student organizations, and Supplemental Instruction. I believe my most defining moment would have to be our medical and public health mission with Global Brigades back in March 2016. I appreciate this experience this most because I had the opportunity to share it with 20 amazing students and faculty from our own university. I believe the most sacred experiences we have in this life are the ones we can share with the people dearest to us. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills I gained in Honduras changed the way I view medicine and the path I will take as I move on to the next step of my career. Honduras was the first of many underdeveloped and disadvantaged areas of the world I hope to visit during my career. There are too many vulnerable and neglected people and communities in our world. The people I interacted with in Honduras—both the volunteers and patients—had a lasting impact on me. They were so grateful and genuine, even with the unfortunate events occurring in their lives. I have the privilege to use my skills and resources to make an impact on the less fortunate, both locally and globally. This experience acted as the catalyst, which helped me realize the importance of preventative and educational medicine. I wouldn’t have had this moment and others without the wonderful tools, resources and opportunities provided to me by University of Michigan-Dearborn.