Despite facing a number of financial and struggles throughout her schooling, Mariam’s goals for academic excellence and community service are crystal clear. Overcoming both financial and familial obstacles, Mariam earned a scholarship to study at Corona Secondary School for her brilliance and spirit. In the classroom, Mariam performed at an extremely high level, winning awards for her achievements in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Information Technology. Before coming to UBC, Mariam was involved in her school’s social initiative: Challenge 2020, a way for young individuals to identify and address socio-economic and environmental issues in the community. Mariam organized educational seminars and presented research about sustainability, global warming and the government’s role in these issues. A Bachelor of Science degree will provide Mariam with the knowledge and skillset to pursue further studies – and eventually a career – in health and medicine. Mariam’s longtime goal is to open clinics that provide adequate healthcare for her community. She recognizes a need for change in the health care system and strives to return home to be the catalyst of this change.