I ran cross country and track throughout high school and almost committed to another school to continue competing as an NCAA athlete. I felt drawn to UGA and decided I wanted to focus on my academics while still running and staying active for fun. Looking back, I’m so glad I made that decision because I found my people here and truly feel at home at UGA. I’m currently studying Biomedical Physiology and hope to attend medical school after college with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. I also added a Spanish minor since I fell in love with the language and hope to become fluent someday. Outside of school, I love going to the gym, running, exploring Athens, trying new coffee shops, spending time with my friends, and being outdoors. I’m also involved in several student organizations and love getting involved in the UGA community. I’m excited to welcome guests and share some of the things that make Athens and UGA so special!

Hometown

Augusta, Georgia

Major(s)

biomedical physiology

Minor(s)

spanish

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Muslim Student Association Arab Cultural Association Palestinian Student Life HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Kesem Food2Kids Biomedical Physiology Society UGA Track & Field Club

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was definitely an adjustment. Coming to such a large school like UGA was exciting, but I struggled with anxiety at first, and it took some time for me to feel comfortable in such a new environment. By the end of my first semester, though, I really felt like I had found myself and started to understand who I was as a person. I met people who understood and accepted me for who I am, and I became much more comfortable being myself. I even found myself getting into things I never expected to, like football, and I quickly became a huge Georgia fan! My college experience so far has taught me a lot about independence, confidence, and finding a community where I feel like I belong. Although the transition was challenging at first, I am grateful for how much I have grown and how much more comfortable I now feel being myself.

Tip for future students

It’s okay to not have everything figured out when you first start college. It’s your first time living away from home long-term, and there is so much you are still learning about yourself and the world around you. Give yourself time to adjust, make mistakes, try new things, and figure out what makes you happy. Don’t shy away from who you are just because you are entering a new environment. Be yourself, put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. There are so many people to meet, experiences to have, and opportunities to discover. Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to have your entire future planned out at 18 or 19. Enjoy where you are, trust yourself, and focus on becoming the best version of yourself along the way.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been BIO 1107. I’ve always been interested in how living organisms work, especially topics like cells, genetics, and how different biological systems interact, so I really enjoyed learning about them in class. My professor also made the lectures lively and engaging, which made the material even more enjoyable to learn. I especially loved the lab portion because my TA was so sweet and enthusiastic about teaching us. She taught us a lot while also letting us have fun with the experiments, which made the lab feel exciting rather than just like another class requirement. I looked forward to going to lab and getting to actually apply what we were learning through hands-on experiments. Overall, BIO 1107 made me realize how much I enjoy learning about biology, especially when I can combine what I learn in class with hands-on experiences.

Career goals

After college, I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career as a pediatrician. I have always been drawn to working with children and want to build a career where I can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be going to the gym, then grabbing an iced coffee and hanging out with my friends at a park. I love being active but also enjoy slowing down, talking, laughing, and spending time with the people I’m closest to. It’s the perfect combination of doing something productive and ending the day in a relaxed way.

High school or secondary school

Greenbrier High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the area around the Ramsey Student Center and Joe Frank Harris Dining Commons. I love going to the gym, but I also really enjoy the trails and scenery around that area, especially in the fall when the leaves change. It’s one of my favorite places to walk around, clear my head, and enjoy being on campus. It feels especially beautiful and peaceful during the fall.