Launching a career in medicine with a focus on the world
Mohammed Abu
School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Emergency Assistance Scholarship
Class of 2022: Biology and Communication
How did you decide on your major?
Ultimately I want to become a doctor one day, and like all pre-med students I wanted to have a good science background and seeing that I enjoyed my science courses in high school I decided I would pursue Biology as a major. Coming into Rutgers I was accepted into the Leadership Living Learning Community (LLLC) and in this leadership community we had to take two mandatory courses from the School of Communication and Information. While taking Intro to Communications and Exploration in Leadership I realized how much I like communication and the whole process of understanding human interactions from a communication perspective. Ultimately deciding that— why not have the best of both worlds?
What is it about your chosen field that appeals to you?
I definitely want to go into the medical field and hopefully one day become a doctor. As for what specific doctor I don’t know yet but I hope to shadow and get some experience in the field to choose a specific specialty.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation I hope to go to Medical School.
What are your dreams and aspirations?
My ultimate dream and aspiration in life is to take my understanding of medicine and open up a teaching hospital in a developing country and run the hospital myself along with other doctors.
What challenges or barriers did you feel were between you and your goals?
Growing up my parents and teachers would constantly enforce the cliché to focus on my education and to never worry about money. However, growing up with immigrant parents, eight siblings who are all younger than me, and one source of income, it was hard to not think of money being a barrier me and my goals.
How did this scholarship transform your educational experience?
I went the whole fall semester working and stressing about how I was going to pay the remaining balance on my term bill and this excess stress and burden added to the stress most students have from being a first year student on my shoulders showed at the end of the semester when I received my grades. My grades were completely opposite of my capabilities, I was not satisfied with my grades and it showed. Once I was informed that I will be receiving this scholarship I had a clear mind and I was able to focus for my final exams, which showed my true capabilities and possibly the only thing that helped me pass all my classes last semester.
What did this scholarship make possible?
Coming into Rutgers I was informed that I would be in EOF which would help cover the remaining balance of my term bill after financial aid, subsidized and unsubsidized loans were included. Five days before moving in I received an email stating that I no longer qualified for EOF. At this point, I had said no to all other colleges and I had no choice to come into Rutgers knowing that I would have to take out a private loan or work to pay off the rest of my term bill. Once I got to Campus I got a job at OIT and saved up money over time. The cost of books and school supplies eventually drained my account. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to continue my education and register for the spring semester!
What was it like the moment you found out you had the scholarship?
Imagine being hit by a car (the term bill) and then being stuck under it (nobody giving me a loan) and then out of know where the local bystanders (The Donors and SAS Deans) come together and lift the car (the term bill) off of my chest so I can breathe. That is exactly how it felt.
What did that mean to you?
It meant that I can push forward with my education without having to stress about how I am going to pay for this semester and whether or not I’ll be able to come back next semester to take classes due to the financial hold. This scholarship allowed me to focus and put all my efforts to my studies.
What does that allow you to do that you wouldn’t have been able to do?
It allows me to come back next semester and it also allows me to focus on the quality of my work.
What would you like to say to the donor?
I can’t say anything that can express my gratitude other than thank you for your donations; because of you I am able to focus on my education and focus on making my mark on this community and hopefully in the future I can do the same and change someone else's life and give them the opportunity you gave me.
What has Rutgers made possible for you?
Rutgers has made endless resources and programs available for me to be able to continue my education and explore my talents and grow in a more personal level.
What is your favorite thing about Rutgers?
I have to say my favorite thing about Rutgers is the diversity amongst the students and even faculty. I love seeing new and different faces all over campus.
