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Marwah Azizi
Full-time Student
Ryerson University
And - Academic Associate
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Never underestimate your power. You only have to want something and you will conquer the impossible.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am an experienced mentor and academic associate with more than three years of experience in medical, retail, and academic settings. During the time I have worked and volunteered in these environments, I have learned to go beyond the limits to complete tasks. I am a first-generation visible Muslim in the second year of my undergraduate degree majoring in Public health and safety at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.
I am an advocate for a holistic public health approach in the Canadian health care system, refugee/immigrant rights, and mental health and have a great passion for research on cancer and infectious diseases and their epidemiological aspects. I have volunteered at Dox Medical for two years and alongside almost two-hundred hours of community work, I gained a tremendous amount of experience.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I chose to pursue Public Health education for many reasons which resonated with my beliefs and goals. But if I were to narrow it down to one reason, it would be the national and international impact I could have upon entering the workforce through my service. Public Health is a broad field and no matter which route you choose, your service will have an impact on a whole population instead of one person. I have always been a "people's person". Regardless of how big or small my family, friends, or community's need have been, I have always thrived to find ways that could help them. My passion for healthcare and humanitarian causes led me to confidently choose Public Health education as a career. My program courses cover all aspects of a disease. From its medical symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment to its prevention measures and services we can provide to the affected community. I find this type of education rare and very rewarding
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
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WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I have recently learned to take the time to reflect on my achievements and blessings because we are used to a rushed life where we are constantly looking forward to our future and usually forget that we are living our dreams in the present. I wish my younger self knew that anything is possible as long as she surrounds herself with people who are as ambitious as her. I wish she knew that she should not overthink about problems that could happen along the way because as long she keeps a strong faith and seeks support from her loved ones, everything will work out eventually. And I would also tell her that she will also find her dream career and will live many of her dreams at a young age!
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love being involved in STEM because as a first-generation visible Muslim I have seen how the dreams of many passionate and smart girls have been stolen from them in my homeland. I have seen and communicated with girls that had to fight for their rights to be let into classrooms that would only allow boys. They had to fight so they learn subjects such as maths and sciences. I have also seen the impact of humanitarian organizations and NGOs in helping the dreams of many girls come true by giving them refuge in camps and providing them with educational resources. This is why I love Public Health. This degree provides me with the skills and knowledge that I require to make the dreams of many hopeful girls come true!
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Never underestimate your power. You only have to want something and you will conquer the impossible. But, never forget that you will not be behind in your journey if you decide to take a break to recharge and refocus. You will not be behind because it's YOUR journey and there is no set timeline. So, try to truly enjoy your journey because it is supposed to give you wings to fly even higher!
INSPIRATION
Be the change you want to see in the world- Mahatma Gandhi
I love this quote because, while we all would love to live in a world where there are no discrimination, inequality and inequity, unfortunately, we are not there yet! So, instead of wishing for a change, if each of us made that positive change we wanted to see in the world, then I like to think that eventually, we will create a better world for those who will come after us.