Basics
Name: Mohammad Jamal
Year: Senior
Professional School: UIC College of Nursing
Hometown: Atara, Palestine
Birthday: 11/21
Heritage: Palestinian, and my mother’s side of the family came from Egypt a long time ago.
UIC Life
Local or Commuter?
I live in Little Italy
What is your favorite thing about being at UIC Nursing School?
My classmates are amazing. Also, I have some of the best professors in the country. Professor Maripat King, Dr. Simmons, Tracy Macswain, and Kathy Kociak just to name a few will always keep me coming back to visit no matter where I end up.
What is your least favorite thing about UIC Nursing School?
Nursing Research and Statistics is the worst course ever! It also sucks that I have to take a bus to get to the college since it’s on the west side.
What made you become interested in attending UIC Nursing School?
It is ranked top 10 next to Yale University in the Nation for nursing. So I am proud to be here. I actually came back from NYC to finish my degree here.
What is the best/worst part about being a nurse?
Best: To truly impact the lives of many and help them when they are at their worst. I get to experience this on a daily basis since I work in an Emergency Room. I have seen thousands walk through our doors at Rush looking for help. Also, the money and hours are good too.
Worst: Death. It’s always hard when you lose a patient, especially the kids. Words of wisdom to underclassman? Work hard right now, relax later. I spent many Friday and Saturday nights studying instead of partying or hanging out. I was also working 2 jobs, one as a dishwasher and the other as a medical interpreter just to support myself in college. When you work hard early on, it always pays off down the line. I promise.
Fun Facts
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Stay healthy and start training for the many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments coming to Chicago this summer so I can compete and hopefully win.
What’s something readers wouldn’t know just by looking at you?
I have a film and theater background. I bounced back and forth between Chicago and NYC for a while doing just that. I took time off because nursing school keeps me busy. I may be on my way to Boston in a few months to shoot an Independent film out there. It’s an amazing script so it has the potential to be shown in the many amazing film festivals across the country.
If you were immortal for a day what would you do?
Jump off a plane with no parachute.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working as a Firefighter hopefully here in Chicago for CFD ( Chicago Fire Department) and as an Emergency Trauma Flight Nurse. I also want to travel to many different countries around the world using my medical and emergency training to help others who are not as fortunate as we are here in the States.
Favorite movie?
The Lion King
Favorite Musician?
Lupe Fiasco, Imagine Dragons, Jason Mraz, John Legend, The Script and TI
Favorite quote?
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door and kick it wide open.”
Describe yourself in 3 words
Passionate, Compassionate, Rebellious
Love Life
Interested in: Women
Single or taken? Single
Who is your celebrity crush?
Zoe Saldana, Hugh Jackman, and James Franco. I could not just list one
What is your deal-maker?
Someone I can hold a decent conversation with, someone who is funny and spontaneous.
What is your deal-breaker?
Someone who is very shallow and very materialistic
What would your dream date be like?
Sneak into someplace that is really hard to get to, a high-rise building rooftop in downtown Chicago on a nice summer night and have a nice picnic up there. Bring blankets, lay back and stare at the sky till we fall asleep. I know it’s cheesy but I like it.