School & Program
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Medicine

Meadowridge Student Since
Grade 8

Born in
Tripoli, Libya

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I knit, I like movies – I’m a big Marvel fan – and I love my little brothers. They’re my pride and joy. I feel like their mom sometimes! We play basketball, volleyball, badminton, take walks… basically, anything we can do outside together. I also love reading, especially historical and period fiction pieces. I haven’t read as much as I’d like to because of school, but I have a big stack of books that I’ve been saving and am excited to read over the summer. Being an older sister has shaped my personality. It has given me a lot of responsibility, but I’m so grateful for it. I used this word during my medical school interviews—sagacious. That’s how I’d describe myself. My mom told it to me in Arabic, and I translated it into English and that’s the word that came up. I’m wise. I think in holistic ways, and try to get different points of view to see the whole of a thing. I’m also very generous. I love putting smiles on people’s faces. At school, people know they can come to me for a pen, paper, water, food, snacks… whatever they need. That’s how it has always been. Finally, I’m a religious and faithful person. It has been the anchor in my life and has helped me get over some of my most difficult times. I know that I have someone watching over me, listening to me, and taking care of me.

How did you first find yourself at Meadowridge?

My dad heard from a friend who was bringing his own children here. His friend was like, I’m putting my kids into this school you should check it out. So, he did, we liked it, and that’s how we came. I’m not going to lie; I wasn’t fond of Meadowridge in the beginning. I was close to leaving in Grade 9 or 10, but it was then that I realized it’s okay to feel a little different. Everywhere you go, you’ll probably feel a little different. So, I said, okay, let’s give it another year. After Grade 10, I knew I could do it. I found this amazing strength when I accepted the fact that it’s okay to be different. That helped me get through it all. I’m glad I stayed and that I made that decision.

I’ve had some amazing discussions with my teachers, especially Madame Chantal and Ms. Mohoruk. They’re both so experienced, worldly and strong.

Tell us about your year ahead.

I’m in the process of picking out a dorm and planning accommodations. I just got the email this morning! There are no food services, so I’ll have to cook, but that’s fine because I can cook anyway. I’ve always been prepared. My mom told me, “we’re going to spend the whole summer learning” but she doesn’t write any recipes down so that’ll be interesting. She tells me, “put flour in until it feels right—” but I don’t know what feels right! Anyway, I’ll be in a dorm. As for school, I’ll be diving right into some science and some medical learning. The program is really immersive.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?

I’m looking forward to meeting new people, whether it be friends, mentors or professors. I feel like I’ve been in the same place with the same people—which is great!—but I’m looking forward to the change and to new experiences. Obviously, I’m also excited about learning and getting out as much as I can from the program. I always knew I wanted to study medicine. To find a program that lets me study that right away is such a huge blessing.

What will you miss most as you move onto the next chapter?

My family. I’ll also miss the teachers. They’ve helped me through my courses and have been there for me, helped me out, and been my friend at times. I’ve had some amazing discussions with my teachers, especially Madame Chantal and Ms. Mohoruk. They’re both so experienced, worldly and strong.

Favourite Meadowridge Memory.

I’m going to miss spirit days. They were different from the sports days I’d have at other schools. There are games, quizzes, competitions with friends… it’s unique. Those days are good memories for me. I also have memories from my favourite classes. I’ll always remember my Grade 9 Individuals & Societies class with Ms. Flintermann. We did Civic Mirror and it became weirdly competitive. People were suing each other, there was a court case… it was fun! I’ll also remember labs with Ms. Mohoruk. Where else does a teacher play music during labs? I did my Extended Essay with her and was in the lab for hours and hours. She helped me out so much and answered any questions I had. She was amazing. 

Making the most out of Meadowridge – what wisdom can you pass on?

Enjoy the simpler, little things. As much as people want to say trips and spirit days define your time, the memories that really stick with you are the everyday little things. Random PE classes and math classes or moments before finals… it’s these memories that stick with me now. Enjoy the time you have until you really have to work hard. Also, don’t worry too much if you’re not sure where you want to be. You’re going to end up wherever fate has destined for you. Even if you don’t know in Grade 12, that’s okay! You have four years after that, and another four years after that… there’s always time. You’re going to be good at something and you’ll find what you do well. Take things one step at a time and let yourself discover what you want.