"I am a first-generation Palestinian-American, and a first-generation college student. My family emphasized hard work, education, and diligence, which propelled me into college and graduate school."
Hometown:
Schererville, Indiana
Undergraduate degree:
I graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a minor in chemistry and psychology. In August, I graduated with my Master of Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University, with two years left to go for my doctorate.
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
I have always wanted to work in healthcare and serve my community on a more personal level. I found a gap in mental health access and education in my community, and I sought out resources to bridge the gap. Mental health has been a hot topic in the past few years, but education and accessibility have yet to follow suit. I have always felt that this was a cause that I could work toward and tackle.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
I am a first-generation Palestinian-American, and a first-generation college student. My family emphasized hard work, education, and diligence, which propelled me into college and graduate school. Their kindness and support helped fuel my passion and allowed me to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology. My family and relatives understood the need for psychologists of my background to help serve our community and foster better habits in mental health.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
I had several options on where to attend graduate school, but receiving an offer from Midwestern University is hard to beat. Midwestern’s Clinical Psychology program offered me exactly what I was looking for in a doctorate program: intimate cohort size, great faculty-to-student ratio, and high practicum and internship match rates. Another factor that drew me to the University was the interdisciplinary culture. Working and connecting with students of a variety of healthcare professional programs is essential to the future of patient healthcare. One of my future goals is to open my own practice with Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Physical Therapists in order to create a well-rounded professional care team for my clients. Midwestern University is helping to make that dream a reality.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
At Midwestern University, I feel I have gained a great variety of professional skills that I look forward to carrying into my career. I had ample opportunities to communicate and work alongside the staff, faculty, and administration during my time as Student Body President. I have learned how to time manage, organize events and philanthropies, and speak on behalf of my constituents at a higher level than my peers at other schools and programs. I feel greatly prepared for my future and well-supported. As a third-year student, although I am excited to graduate and go on to an internship soon, I will miss all the opportunities that Midwestern University students are offered.
Anything else you'd like to add?
A person’s experience at Midwestern University is what you make of it. I fully took advantage of all the organizations, events, presentations, and research opportunities, while also making strong and lasting connections with my professors to curate the best experience a graduate school can offer. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few years at Midwestern University and all the opportunities I was able to take advantage of.
