Class: 2016
Major: Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Hometown in Sudan: Omdurman
Hometown in the US: Rockville, MD
1. What do you do on campus?
On campus, I am mainly involved with BACES, an alternative spring break program, and I’m also an RA. For two semesters, I conducted research in the Chemistry Department. My freshman year I also worked at Bison Bikes. When I’m not in class or working, I enjoy experimenting with new things and getting out of my comfort zone.
2. As you’re from Sudan, we’re dying to hear about how you found out about our little school in Central P.A. and what your experience studying in the States is/was like?
I was born in Sudan, moved to the US at the age of 8, and I attended high school right outside of DC in Rockville, MD. Being in the general DC area, I learned about Bucknell through the Posse program. I was selected as a semifinalist for the scholarship and that was when I started really looking into Bucknell. After going to elementary school in Sudan for two years, I have always really valued the quality of education I’ve received here in the US.
3. Tell us about your experiences as a trip leader for BACES; how you got involved, what this service opportunity means to you, etc.?
I became involved with BACES after a good friend had recommended the trip to me. As a freshman, I initially went on the trip just hoping to become more involved on campus and to meet new people, but I returned having underwent one of the most important experiences of my collegiate experience. When we came back to campus, I applied to be a trip leader and I have lead two trips since then. What I appreciate most about the trip are the relationships I’ve formed through the trip. The trip allows me to get close to people I may have never gotten to know otherwise and, as a result, I’ve met some of my best friends through BACES.
4. And you’re a part of POSSE too! What does this program mean to you?
Posse has been my most reliable support network on campus. I know that if I ever have any issues or run into any trouble, my mentor and posse members will be there to support me. Without them, transitioning to college my freshman year would have been much more difficult. I will be forever indebted to the Posse for the love my trainers, mentors, and mates have shown me over the years.
5. What is the most important and interesting thing you’ve learned as an RA? If you could give readers as residents–not necessarily yours–one lesson coming from an RA what would it be?
One of the most important things I’ve taken away from my role as a RA is to be patient and warm with people and eventually they will turn around. When I was first hired as an RA, it was a bit nerve racking dealing with freshman who were introverted and somewhat standoffish. But, I learned that if you give people time and show them kindness, they usually turn around and are more open toward you.
Tip: Your RA isn’t out to get you. You don’t need to be on edge or uncomfortable around them. Actually, talk to them. They’re usually pretty nice.
6. We’ve heard through the grapevine that you have some really vibrant summer plans in the works; can you tell us a little bit about what this might entail?
This summer I will be interning at the National Cancer Institute in the National Institute of Health. I will be returning to continue research I began last summer. However, I am most excited about a trip I’m taking to Ethiopia at the beginning of the summer. I will be volunteering at a tropical disease treatment and research center for two weeks. I’m excited to visit a new country in East Africa.
7. What are your plans beyond Bucknell?
If all works outs, I will obtain an MD and then I pursue a career in the global health arena working to help alleviate health disparities in developing countries.
The Best of the Rest…
Favorite place on campus: The benches in the Roberts quad with the cherry blossoms in bloom
Favorite food from Sudan: Kisra bread with Moolah
Favorite food from Lewisburg: Siam
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
Best Bucknell memory: BACES 2014
One thing you learned living in the States/Lewisburg: Before coming to Bucknell, I didn’t know country music was actually a thing people enjoyed.