What makes you a Difference Maker?
I’d say that my divergent combination of interests and expertise is what makes me a Difference Maker. One of the main things I love to encourage people to do is to mix their interests and find new paths they can forge instead of having to give up passions for one field. I try to embody this by merging my education in business, economics and politics with my interests in research, engineering and innovation. At UM-Dearborn, I’ve personified this integration by working with and assuming leadership positions in completely different organizations. From reviving a Pre-Law Association, to serving as the business lead for Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (Combustion), I’ve been able to explore a unique combination of opportunities and interests at our university.
Highlight your campus achievements:
Academically, I’ve been on the Dean's List each semester since entering the university. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA for my major, the Honors Program and various classes of interest. In addition, I’ve been selected as an Honors Scholar for 2017 while currently assuming the role of vice president for Pi Sigma Alpha—the national political science honor society. Besides honors, I’ve also participated in various leadership roles for student organizations. Previously, I served as vice president of Food Recovery Network (FRN) while helping to refound and lead a Pre-Law Association (PLA) as president. I also served as a delegate for Model Arab League during the 2016 season, where I was able to practice diplomacy at an international level of discourse and was able to win an Outstanding Delegate Award. Currently, I’m the business lead for Formula Society of Automotive Engineers - Combustion (FSAEC), where I work with fellow engineering students to prepare a vehicle and proper presentations for various national competitions for the 2017 racing season.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
On campus, my leadership experiences truly root back to the moments I committed to leadership roles in student organizations. After taking on the role of vice president for Food Recovery Network, I realized how difficult it was and what a true commitment it was to be an organization leader. This experience primed me for taking on the task of restoring the Pre-Law Association (PLA). I felt it was necessary to do in terms of giving students a chance to learn more and gain experience in the legal field before attending law schools, given that it is a huge mental and financial commitment. Finding enthused people to work for PLA was difficult, but once a strong e-board was developed, I felt it was time to allow the right people to lead the organization while I would prioritize my next role of business lead for Formula Society of Automotive Engineers - Combustion.
Off campus, I’ve worked diligently to execute my tasks well at various internships. I’ve continued to intern during every single semester, including summers, since I’ve entered college. Two of my internships were business related at automotive supplier companies and another two were in the legal field with Wayne County Third Circuit Court and The Office of the Michigan Attorney General. After deciding to work with UM-Dearborn’s Social Science Internship Office, I was able to land my first internship out of state in Washington D.C. for Summer 2015 at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars as a science and tech innovation intern. I spent summer 2016 partaking in the TRIALS program, hosted by NYU/Harvard Law Schools to prep for the LSAT and law school applications. In addition, I decided to take the Fall 2016 semester off of school to intern at SpaceX as a supply chain intern, where I plan to return for Summer 2017.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
As I’ve mentioned my love for converging my interests, I’ve turned this love into an ultimate goal of practicing law at an engineering firm or tech startup whose mission I admire and can work hard to contribute to. My long term goal is to reach my fullest potential in an effort to contribute to making the world a better place for all living things. I can see myself doing my best work if I’m defending an effort that is helping our world further progress—whether it’s by cutting down barriers of communication, making our planet healthier through science and technological innovation or exploring lands/planets unknown to expand our knowledge and make better decisions moving forward.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
My most defining moment was summoning the courage to walk into the IAVS building and attend an Formula Society of Automotive Engineers - Combustion meeting as an economics and political science student. This was a defining moment for me because I was able to explore an interest of mine that the world would typically say I’m not suited for. However, I joined the team as a simple member who would come by to help create an impact attenuator for safety or learn the benefits of an unsprung aero. I, then, was recognized by the team and was asked to become the business lead for the 2016-2017 season. From this progression, I was able to realize that I, and anyone else, can and should disregard expectations people set on them and follow their own passions and goals. Where there is a will, there is a way. I’ll be able to take this lesson with me throughout my career and the rest of my life.