Hi! My name is Sarah. I was born in Damascus, Syria, but after a couple of moves, I settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where I spent most of my childhood. Now, I’m happy to call Duke home! I’m so excited to be a part of this inspiring community of women as a Baldwin Scholar.
Much of who I am today has been shaped by the culture(s) I grew up in, and the lovely people who surrounded me. For most of my life, I’ve lived in a home with multiple generations of women, something less common in American culture, but incredibly influential to the way I show up for myself and those around me. My mom, sister, aunt, and teta (grandma) taught me early on how much strength can come from female relationships that simultaneously challenge and support you. My family instilled in me the values of connection and community which grounded me as I navigated my cultural identity and STEM spaces where women’s voices were sometimes outnumbered.
At Duke, I hope to champion these values as I grow academically and personally. I’m planning to study sociology and neuroscience, and I’m especially interested in mental health, women's health, and child health policy. I hope to become a physician who provides compassionate care for individual patients while also working to improve the broader systems that shape public health and access. On campus, I’m a part of the CMA’s Armstrong Ambassadors program for change-makers, and I serve as an Advocacy Chair for Duke Remote Area Medical and member of a community-facing project team with the Student Collaborative on Health Policy. Off campus, I’m a Champion for the United Nations Shot@Life campaign for child immunization accessibility.
I often say that in my Syrian American community, celebration is synonymous with life, and this is a statement I live by. I love to find joy wherever I can, even in the smallest of moments. Out of class, you’ll more than likely find me baking. I also love long walks, listening to my meticulously crafted Spotify playlists, oil painting, and exploring new things with people I love.
I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the Baldwin community, and I can’t wait to learn and grow with these amazing women!