Outstanding Biology Student award winner says classes pushed her to do what she loves
Recently, Henry Ford Early College (HFEC) student Nasrene Mroue earned the Outstanding Biology Student of the Year Award.
“This award is a merit award that recognizes a student’s work over the course of the semester. I was honored to have been nominated for this award,” said Mroue, a lifelong Dearborn resident.
The youngest of four (her older brother, Hadi, is a current student at HFC), Mroue is currently enrolled in the HFEC, which is a partnership between HFC, the Henry Ford Health System, and the Dearborn Public Schools in coordination with Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency and the State Board of Education. This partnership allows students to earn their high school diploma from HFEC and an associate degree from HFC over the course of five years.
Mroue will graduate from the HFEC in 2022 and will earn her associate degree in biology from HFC. Although she’s open to other schools, as of now, she plans to transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will major in biology. Her career goal is to become a gynecologist. She would like to attend the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
“The HFEC really prepared and challenged me,” said Mroue. “The college classes I took through HFC really pushed me to strive and do what I love. This was a great way to pave the way into achieving my goals. I chose to attend the HFEC in order to get a feel of the ‘college experience.’ I found many opportunities for personal development here and wanted to choose a major by taking my pre-requisites at HFC.”
A new perspective
Initially, Mroue planned to become an engineer.
“I feel like the HFEC and HFC really gave me a whole new perspective on attending medical school and even going into the field of medicine,” she said. “Before I enrolled, I wanted to become an engineer, so I took a class and realized that this was not what I wanted for myself. HFC has prepared me as a person to find a career path I enjoy, which is biology and medicine.”
She continued: “The best part about studying biology is learning how the human body works in so many different ways. Biology is a subject that gives me an in-depth look at the world. The DNA being our universal blueprint amazes me and how all these parts work with each other.”
Mroue considers HFC biology professor Linda Brandt a mentor.
“One of my favorite professors would have to be Professor Brandt,” said Mroue. “She made this past year one of the best years of my life. When the pandemic hit, I thought I had lost all hope. It was really hard for all of us. During these tough times, I felt that Professor Brandt really pushed all of her students to succeed. Her hard work and dedication amazes me to this day, and I cannot thank her enough.”
Helping others inspires her
Mroue spoke about her desire to go into medicine.
“The thought of helping others and trying to make them feel better inspires me,” she said. “The field of medicine does not just consist of one thing. My family has dealt with many health problems, and we have spoken for those who may not have a voice or may not want to use their voice. I have witnessed so many doctors at work, which made me want to push myself even farther.”
Mroue continued: “I want to become a gynecologist to be there during childbirth and help new mothers make good choices about their newborns. Being a mother is a new outlook on life, and I want them to feel comfortable and confident. There are emerging procedures and methods that I want to partake in as well.”
Superb organizational skills and strong work ethic
HFC biology professor Dr. Cheryl Garrett believes Mroue will accomplish great things.
"Nasrene was an excellent student in my BIO-131: Introduction to Biology class,” said Garrett. “I am sure her superb organizational skills and strong work ethic will lead her to future success in her chosen field."
One method Mroue employed to learn the coursework in her science classes was helping her fellow students learn the material. This would really cement her understanding of a concept, particularly a difficult concept.
“I always like to help people achieve even when they feel down,” said Mroue. “I reminded some of my classmates about all the deadline dates and made sure everyone knew what was going on. Before an exam, I met with two people to go over the material. I have grown so much as a person overall and am thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I would just tell people to take their time and always push yourself, because you CAN.”