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| Fatima Fahs with family |
DEARBORN— Every year, thousands of college students enthusiastically return their textbooks and dispose of their notes in anticipation of graduation. As the Arab American population continues to establish itself in local communities, the names of an increasing number of Arab American graduates are read out loud at commencement ceremonies.
Universities have graciously accepted the ethnic group, as diversity has become a vital lifeblood to the prosperity of these institutions.
John Corvino, professor and chair of the philosophy department at Wayne State University, who read the names of walking graduates during this spring’s commencement, said diversity is the university’s greatest strength.
“The strong, visible presence of Arab American students is one of our distinctive strengths,” Corvino said. “That strength is increasingly noticeable at commencement.”
David Strauss, dean of students at WSU, said “the Arab American student community adds so much vibrancy and involvement to campus life and campus activities.”
Hashim Altawil, chair of the art history department and advisor to the Arab Student Union at Henry Ford College, said while the school does not track Arab American students, he estimates that 30 percent of the college’s students are of Arab descent.
“I feel very proud when I see my students who are handling a job or two and coming to college and doing very well,” Altawil said.
“I also see female Arab American students, many of them are mothers and have children and are doing just excellent, taking classes. There is something in the culture of Arab American student that pushes them to excel in academics.”
Fatima Fahs, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, entering residency in dermatology:
“My brother and I are the first doctors in our immediate and extended families. Graduating with a medical degree was really important to me, as my family has been very impacted by the field of medicine through the passing of my father and brother. It was important for me to pursue medicine to heal myself through healing others.
“Education means empowerment. My degree is also a testament to my family’s sacrifice and the attainment of the ‘American dream.’
“The challenge for Arab American women, and especially those who are Muslim and wear the hijab, is breaking stereotypes in the workforce. As a doctor, my patients will look to me for advice and help. At the same time, it also serves as an opportunity to dispel stereotypes that the media may spew about Arab Americans and Muslim women. Yes, we can be educated. Yes, we can pursue our dreams. And absolutely yes, we can impact and save people’s lives.
“Advice I’d give to someone about the college experience is to set small, monthly goals and work on achieving them. Eventually, you will find yourself achieving more than you thought possible and attaining a larger goal in the process.”
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