Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Sarah Al Ani. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
When I first came to the U.S., I was amazed by the significance and scale of businesses here, especially compared to the mom-and-pop stores I was familiar with in my home country. As a result, I became curious about how organizations operate and what makes them successful.
I’ve always been the go-to person for IT troubleshooting in my family because I enjoyed technology and problem-solving. This interest eventually grew into a broader curiosity about how technology can solve real-world problems and how businesses use it to drive growth and efficiency. This blend of curiosity and passion led me to pursue a major in Business Administration Management, followed by an MBA with a focus on Management Information Systems.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my MBA as a first-generation graduate. When I came to the U.S. in 2014, I faced a lot of challenges – learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and dealing with a technology gap that made college life difficult. Navigating the educational system and trying to understand cultural and political nuances added to the struggle.
But I stayed focused on my goals and worked hard to improve my language skills, get up to speed with technology, and fully commit myself to my studies. Every challenge became a chance to grow, and I didn’t let setbacks hold me back. The countless hours of hard work and dedication that went into this achievement are a reflection of my commitment to stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing my goals.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I’m incredibly grateful to my mom, who has always supported and believed in me. Growing up with a single mother, I witnessed her work without complaint to give me every opportunity to succeed. She always encouraged me to believe in my potential and abilities, especially when I doubted myself. Her unwavering confidence in me has been a source of strength, helping me push through challenges, whether in school or in new situations.
In addition to my mom, I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful professors who offered valuable advice and helped me improve my writing skills.
Share one professional development goal and one personal goal you have for the upcoming year.
For my professional development goal, I’m aiming to earn a Full Stack Developer certificate. This credential will provide me with valuable technical knowledge that complements my interest in marketing and technology. It will help me better understand and contribute to the digital aspects of business operations.
For my personal goal, I want to learn Procreate for digital art. It’s a great way for me to combine my interest in technology with creativity and have fun exploring new artistic outlets.
Why did you choose to be an intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to intern with Educate. Radiate. Elevate. because I’m passionate about using my skills for meaningful work, and your mission really speaks to me. The chance to help provide support to students who need it most aligns perfectly with my personal values of contributing to community development and serving the public. I appreciate Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s mission to address and overcome the persistent inequities impacting low-income students of color. I want to contribute to this important work and support these students in reaching their full potential. This internship also offers a great opportunity for professional growth and allows me to explore my interest in marketing.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
I find Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s commitment to educational equity very important because I’ve seen firsthand how lack of or poor-quality education can impact children. Growing up during a time of conflict, I observed how inadequate educational opportunities can deeply affect children, especially those from low-income backgrounds. This experience shaped my belief in the crucial role education plays in providing stability and fostering personal and academic growth.
Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s focus on Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Teaching is also meaningful to me, because it acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. I’m eager to contribute to this mission and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of underserved students.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym to stay active and unwind. I love spending time with friends and family, whether that’s checking out libraries or bookstores, exploring museums, or trying out different restaurants. I’m also a fan of shopping and playing video games. Lately, I’ve been diving into watercolor painting, which has been a fun and relaxing way to get creative.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
The last amazing trip I took was to Chicago, which is surprisingly close but still full of excitement. The standout for me was the incredible variety of food. Paris Baguette was a highlight – their pastries were simply delicious. I also discovered a great ice cream place that was a real treat.
Exploring Chinatown was another memorable part of the trip. Trying hot pot for the first time was a unique experience, and I enjoyed wandering through the shops and picking up a bunch of souvenirs. Walking along the Riverwalk and taking boat taxis gave me a unique perspective of the city and added a lot of fun to the trip.
Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” This quote, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, resonates deeply with me because it reflects what drives my personal and professional pursuits. I’ve always found great satisfaction in learning and making sense of complex ideas. Whether it’s through my studies or my personal interests, the process of gaining new insights and understanding has always been very fulfilling for me.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private lunch and why? He/she might just see this! 🙂
If I had to choose someone for a private lunch, it would definitely be Lionel Messi. I’ve followed his journey closely over the years, and his story is incredibly inspiring. Despite facing significant challenges, including growth hormone deficiency as a child, he has become widely regarded as the best footballer in the world. His perseverance and ability to stay calm under immense pressure, especially during his World Cup journey, are qualities I deeply admire. I’d love to hear from him directly about how he managed to remain so focused and motivated despite the obstacles and criticism.
