What first got you interested in your field of choice?

Medicine has always been fascinating to me, from my first high school biology course, following through my college years. My board positions in Shifa Community Clinic allowed me to serve in underserved communities and shadow many doctors from different specialties. This experience further developed my interest in medicine and gave me an appreciation to solve problems in communities similar to mine. While I am aware that as a physician I will not be able to always ease physical ailments, it suffices me to know that I can be their
support system.

What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education?

Immigrating from Iraq to the U.S. at the age of 11 due to war was no easy task. In fact, I welcomed new struggles and obstacles– those far different from hardships in Iraq but nevertheless made it difficult to adapt to the “new life” in California. Language, cultural, and educational barriers all served as obstacles that as an eleven-year-old felt far too overwhelming. As the oldest in a family of five, I fell as the “mentor” figure for my younger siblings, paving the road ahead for them through the educational choices I made. In my first two years in the U.S., there were many late nights that often consisted of translating my assignments and continuing practicing the English language to help me excel in school. Learning the language, adapting to the new life, and dealing with the past trauma were the major obstacles I had to face during my educational journey. They were hard to overcome, but they taught me patience, courage, and most importantly optimism.

How did you know that KGI was the right school for you?

After I heard about KGI from my Co-workers and pre-health advisor at UC Davis, the first thing that was mentioned to me was how close-knit the community is and how caring the staff are toward their students. These two values were exactly what I was looking for in a school and I am privileged to be part of this wonderful community.

Why did you want to become an Admissions Ambassador?

The struggles that I faced throughout my educational journey to find the best opportunities for myself to accomplish my goals made me want to be the reason someone is able to find an ending to their confusion and struggles. The amazing opportunities that KGI offers to its students, deserve to be highlighted to others.I
would love to bridge the gap between KGI and other students who are looking into furthering their education.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I love eating and making sushi a lot and baking brownies. I recently got into weight lifting and I am super happy that I found a way to de-stress after a long day of studying. But this hobby is not only a way for me to de-stress but also a way to learn patience and consistency to work hard even in the absence of motivation.