Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I’m currently in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My parents are Yasser and Hala and I have an older brother named Omar.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is probably math, as well as physics, because I like solving problems and learning new types of math. Additionally, the applications of that math to extremely interesting subjects such as astronomy within physics is very interesting to me.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I am in National Honor Society, received a gold medal in the National Spanish Exam, placed first in a Spanish speaking competition, as well as having competed in multiple national quiz bowl tournaments. I am also an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has COVID-19 impacted these activities?

A. Yes, I am the president of our quiz bowl team, play on the varsity tennis team, participate in Model UN, previously participated in debate team for a couple of years, as well as volunteering at Newark Airport. COVID-19 has had a large impact on these events, as our quiz bowl team was scheduled to compete in a couple of national tournaments which were canceled. Additionally, almost our entire tennis season was canceled which was very disappointing, along with our Model UN competition. However, during this time I have taken up other things such as virtual volunteering in fields related to my interests (astronomy, spaceflight, etc.), taking a course in aerospace engineering, as well as helping create a website for a social activist.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. Balancing commitments outside of school, which really balloon entering your senior year, with rigorous classes in school. I tried to get ahead on the college process during the previous summer, but even doing so, there are still many other time commitments that make strict time management a necessity, whether it be a job or other extracurriculars.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. Attend college and get a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering, or major in aerospace engineering, if offered.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. My parents, as they immigrated here from Egypt and were able to be successful, while raising my brother and I within a relatively comfortable lifestyle, which I am thankful for. Additionally, LeBron James is someone who I have always admired. Since he was in high school until now in his 17th NBA season, he has always been burdened with incredible amounts of pressure and scrutiny, but he always beats it through sheer determination and dedication. I have always tried to incorporate a hardworking attitude and he is definitely a huge inspiration for that.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. As someone who was always kindhearted, curious to learn, hardworking, dedicated and willing to extend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Make sure to take the opportunities you are given, even if it’s just going to school events or trying out a new club, because high school is truly a low-stakes, high-reward situation. Put in the time and don’t cut corners if you want to do as well as you can. Time management and removing distractions are extremely helpful and eventually necessary habits. Never take any part of your high school experience so seriously to the expense of your own mental or physical health: it’s not that deep, so just enjoy it.