Graduating ASU Online student makes the most of her time at ASU

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.

Arizona State University’s partnership with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) for the Opening Learning Scholars Program made it possible for Rehab Meckawy and hundreds of other students from the MENA regionRefers to a grouping of countries situated in and around the Middle East and North Africa. to receive a graduate education. 

Meckawy, who is graduating from ASU Online with a Master of International Health Management, sings high praises of the scholarship program.

“I owe all my success to the AGFE scholarship. At a time when I doubted my potential, AGFE believed in me and fully sponsored my degree,” Meckawy said.

Of course her success also came from her determination and commitment to her university experience, both in and out of the classroom. 

In addition to her studies, Meckawy co-founded the Egyptian Sun Devils club, which is currently 270 members strong. She also co-founded the Sun Devils Global Friends Club, an online organization that works to build bonds between domestic and international students and increase cultural competence. Her list of accomplishments also includes serving as the graduate senate leader and chair of the Government Operations Committee for the Online Student Government Advocacy Group.

This spring, Meckawy was recognized as the winner of the Outstanding Graduate Student Leader at the 10th annual Pitchfork awards, a ceremony that recognizes Sun Devils who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving the Sun Devil community. 

“My journey at ASU would not have been fulfilled without engaging in student organizations and leaving an impact on fellow online peers,” she said.

Graduating this spring, Meckawy plans to continue impacting those around her. Read about her journey at ASU below. 

Question: What accomplishment are you most proud of as an ASU Online student?

Answer: I am thrilled to share that I was selected as one of two student facilitators at a recent virtual town hall with ASU’s President Michael Crow. Also included on the panel were Phil Regier, dean and chief executive officer for EdPlus at ASU, Leah Lommel, associate vice president and chief operations officer at EdPlus at ASU, and Nancy Gonzales, university provost. It was a great honor to represent ASU Online students and AGFE.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: It’s hard to pick just one. ASU has been a life changing experience for me because I discovered my own potential. I learned I needed to get out of my comfort zone because that’s where learning opportunities exist.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: I can't express how grateful I’ll always be for Dr. Jack Gilbert’s support while I worked as a TA in his class. As a person aspiring to a career in academia, Professor Gilbert has shaped the teaching pedagogy that I’d like to adopt. I learned how an instructor can maintain a compassionate attitude, and also ensure that students achieve learning outcomes.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: I would say to keep reaching for your dreams and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Specifically to AGFE scholars, I would say to do your best and work hard at full gear. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I will seek opportunities to work in the health managerial private sector at the national level. I am passionate about leveraging my leadership, organizational and teamwork skills to help boost preventive medicine in both developed and underprivileged communities. I will advocate for competent health care systems that offer high-quality services. 

I also want to pursue a career in academia. It’s important to me to positively influence younger generations to overcome doubts about achieving a career in the health field. It’ll mean so much to support others in growing their professional self-efficacy.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: With $40 million I would address the issue of migrants and displaced populations. My focus would be on reducing health inequality and the discrepancy of care accessibility due to racial inequalities.

Written Lexy Fairfield, marketing content specialist, EdPlus at Arizona State University