Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
Having attended a relatively small grammar school and high school, I wanted to attend a smaller university where I would feel supported and encouraged. As an aspiring physician assistant, I knew early on that my career path would be demanding, rigorous and incredibly stressful, and that I would need a strong support system to keep me on track academically and emotionally. It was incredibly important, to me, that I would attend a university where I would personally know my professors, and have the opportunity to gain individualized support throughout my academic journey. When faculty from Saint Peter’s University visited my high school and spoke to me about the counseling services, the ministry and the cura personalis value rooted in a Saint Peter’s education, I knew this was the place for me.
What was your major at SPU and what clubs or activities did you participate in?
My major at SPU was biology. I was also part of the honors program, Tribeta biological honors society, Alpha Sigma Nu honors society and Muslim student association. As an honors student, I had the privilege of conducting my own research under the guidance of Dr. Twersky, where I was able to study the protective impacts of two phytochemicals. I presented at the on-campus Academic Symposium and attended several other research conferences associated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB). I also conducted several other research projects and presented them at campus events hosted by the biology department, including the last two Diet and Vision/Great American Smokeout Symposium events and Healthy Baby Awareness charity day events.
Lastly, although not affiliated with Saint Peter’s directly, I was introduced by my professors to Project Meducate, a nonprofit organization that delivers free seminars and clinics to communities in need. As an aspiring healthcare worker and student at a Jesuit university, I am beyond proud to be serving my community as an active volunteer with this organization for the last two years.
Congratulations on being named Valedictorian for the Class of 2026! How does it feel to represent your class in this way and be giving the speech at Commencement?
It definitely feels surreal and I am incredibly honored to represent my class this way. I’ve always managed my stress by leaning on my classmates and professors. Their never-ending encouragement is what brought me here today. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to share this joy and to reflect on this journey with them at Commencement. I’m incredibly proud of every single person in my class, because I know everyone has truly given their all to attend this Commencement.
Was there a moment for you that truly cemented that this is the place you were meant to be?
I went through a very tough personal series of events at the beginning of my sophomore year at the university around the same time that I was starting to take more advanced level biology courses. I was actually close to changing my major altogether and even my career path. Then, suddenly, I received an email from the Office of Academic Affairs three weeks into the semester stating that I was the recipient of the Biology Collier Award and Gold Excellence Award. When I attended Michaelmas where I received my awards, the faculty and staff were so happy for all the students. That moment made me realize everything was going to be okay, that I truly do have a strong support system and I just need to lean into it.
As a 2026 graduate, what are your graduation plans and how did Saint Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at Saint Peter’s help you figure out your new direction?
After graduation, I will continue my current jobs as a physical therapy aide and medical assistant while also taking on a shadowing internship opportunity and applying to physician assistant programs this summer. Having taken all the required prerequisites at Saint Peter’s and conducting my own research as a student, I am prepared for this next step in my journey ahead. This path is very much what I envisioned for myself when I first began college. However, my time at Saint Peter’s helped me better understand the realities of the profession and strengthened my commitment to it. Through rigorous coursework, meaningful mentorship from Dr. Twersky, Dr. Wydner, and Dr. Camaano, and hands-on experiences, I can confidently say I developed the discipline, resilience and critical thinking skills necessary to pursue a career in healthcare and to become a caring physician assistant.
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at Saint Peter’s?
Breathe. This path can feel intimidating and uncertain initially, but Saint Peter’s is truly a place that becomes your home. Most of your advisors and professors are more than just your instructors, but your friends, and will always be there for you whenever you need them. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking advantage of these relationships, asking for help and staying connected. Get involved on campus, step outside of your comfort zone and trust the process, even when things feel overwhelming. The support system here is incredibly strong, and if you allow yourself to lean into it, you will grow in ways you never expected!
