Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Arfa Omer. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
I am a high school graduate from the class of 2023, currently in a gap year. I have taken this year to gain experience in as many industries as possible, aiming to narrow down my numerous interests into a single major. Presently, I am interning at Brothers in Law and Educate. Radiate. Elevate. Additionally, I am involved in tutoring at ENGin.
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
The movie “Dolphin Tale” sparked my interest in designing prosthetics. I was fascinated by how the doctor in the movie enabled Winter, the dolphin missing her tail, to live a long, healthy life by restoring her tail. This not only allowed Winter to feel complete again but also inspired me to aspire to do the same for others.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
I am proud to have written an essay that won a Silver Key in the Scholastic Awards. I take pride in the many weeks of writing, revising, and editing that culminated in the creation of that essay.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I am grateful to Ms. Katz. She encouraged me to share my poetry publicly and was the first to emphasize that school isn’t everything. Taking breaks and having a life beyond being a student or employee is important.
Why did you choose to be an intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate. because of the significant impact my education and teachers have had on my life. I aim to ensure that every child has access to an impactful education. Specifically, I chose to be a Grant Writing Intern to enhance my professional writing skills. While I enjoy creative and academic writing, I haven’t had many opportunities to write professionally, and that’s where this internship comes in.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s belief that education is a strong indicator of future success resonates with me deeply. I hold the conviction that a great education forms the bedrock for any greatness a person can achieve. Additionally, I share the belief that access to quality education is hindered not only by a lack of access to schools but also by a shortage of good teachers. Hence, E.R.E.’s emphasis on training tutors to be culturally responsive aligns with my values.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
My advice is not to let the people who tell you ‘No’ slow you down. When I initially decided to graduate high school in three years, I faced initial resistance and needed approval from many. Despite encountering some initial ‘No’s, with perseverance, I managed to secure the approval of everyone necessary and graduated in three years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy expressing my creativity. This involves activities such as writing poetry, painting, cooking, and baking. Alongside these, I find pleasure in biking and working out.
Tell us about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
In the summer of 2023, I took a trip across Europe, visiting London, Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Istanbul. I relished the opportunity to see famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower. Additionally, I enjoyed noting the small differences that distinguish Europe from America, such as washing machines in the kitchen, the absence of central air conditioning, and the availability of fresh fruit at every market, no matter how small.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
“Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain” (Nichola Stephenson). I love this quote because it reminds us that a life worth living is a life that includes pain—small pains like cuts and bruises, and big pains like loss. This quote encourages us not to run from the pain but to see it as the teacher it is.
