Freshman Year
2018-2019
I am so excited to be starting this new chapter in my life here at Lamar University. Some of the goals I have for myself include...
1. Making New Friends
2. Doing Well In All My Classes
3. Joining Student Organizations
Join me as I document my freshman year experience!
Peer Mentor Mixer
A helpful guide in the right direction
September 7, 2018
At the Peer Mentor mixer, I was able to meet my wonderful mentor Samira Ahmed! Like myself, Samira is also a Biology major with a concentration in dentistry! It made me feel better knowing that I am not alone going through my journey to become a dentist. She is incredibly sweet, and I am so fortunate to have her as my peer mentor!
History in Motion:
Exploring the Past Through Film and Television
Black Panther
October 11, 2018
Recently, the history department has been displaying a wide array of movies that have similarities with our history today. The movie of choice, Black Panther, was a popular fan favorite and award winning movie. I was excited to be part of a discussion of how Black Panther presents a scene of a world that is not colonized by foreigners. It presents a futuristic world where racism is not an issue, but instead power and greed is.
National Cupcake Day
Cupcake Giveaway
October 9, 2018
Today is National Cupcake Day! As secretary of Cardinal Joy, we wanted to spread awareness about our organization by passing out free cupcakes!! For this event, I had baked cupcakes and volunteered to take charge of the table during the day to distribute the sweets.
Lamar University Academic Lecture Series:
The Science Behind the Movie Interstellar.
Featuring: Kip Thorne, 2017 Nobel Laureate of Physics
October 16, 2018
One of the most intriguing “space” theme movies I have ever seen. Although the plot is fictional, the science isn’t! Today Nobel Peace prize winner, Kip Thorne, came to Lamar to speak about the science behind the movie! I learned about what constitutes the black hole, and how time is affected inside. Dr. Thorne also explained how it would be possible to cross this vortex, which quite frankly, might never happen.
Pizza with the Professor
Rediscovering Beaumont's history.
November 13, 2018
Today I had the opportunity to share pizza and discussion with Dr. Richard Gachot! Dr. Gachot is the instructor for the honors topic course, 'Local Architecture'. Being a Beaumont native, it was really interesting to learn about my city's past, and how it has transformed throughout the centuries. I look forward to being in his class next semester.
National Science Foundation REU Workshop
Featuring Dr. Kumer Das, Director of Undergraduate Research
November 15, 2018
At the National Science Foundation REU Workshop, Dr. Kumer introduced us into what the REU program is, and what steps we need to take in order to get accepted. During my time here at Lamar, I hope to get involved with research!
Lamar University Distinguished Faculty Lecture:
The Human Devastation Syndrome
Featuring: Dr. M.K Hamza
Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
November 27, 2018
Tonight at the Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Dr. Hamza discussed the Human Devastation Syndrome. His experience working with Syrian refugees at Jordan has allowed him to see the traumatic effects war zones have had on parents and children.
He gave many personal stories of seeing kids being in constant fear for their lives. In some cases, the children had watched their entire family killed before them. From his faculty lecture, I learned more about his work with humanitarian aid organizations and how the human mind operates beyond a PTSD level after experiencing devastating events.
Handel Messiah Concert
Featuring Lamar University and St. Anthony Basilica's Choir
November 30, 2018
Tonight Lamar University's Choir in alongside St. Anthony's choir sang a classical holiday piece known as Handel Messiah. Almost 2 hours long, the choir and orchestra performed the music beautifully. It was a great way to start off the holiday season, and support my good friends who were involved in the program. In addition, the beautiful setting of the church was a great way to tie the piece together for a joyful event.
ACE Hardware Store Fundraiser
Raising money for the Pregnant & Parenting Scholarship
December 1, 2018
For one our core projects, Cardinals for Life wanted to raise money for our Pregnant and Parenting Scholarship to help those students who are either pregnant, or raising a child during their time here at Lamar. This was an important cause for me because I knew it could really make such a difference in someone's life. For the ACE fundraiser, I had baked cupcakes and volunteered for 5 hours selling the goods. It was nice to hear feedback from the customers on our items, and our cause.
Cardinal Conversations
An evening of discussion.
February 21, 2019
Today I was invited to President Evan's home in alongside with other students and staff to discuss the acidification of ocean reefs and the effects of global warming. It was truly an honor to be invited. At the discussion, Dr. Christensen and Dr. Flossi talked about their research involving the topic. One of Dr. Christensen's main subjects was the brittle star, in which he monitored their tolerance to higher or lower temperatures. It was really interesting to hear the results of her research, and the evidence of global warming. For Dr. Flossi, she discussed the efforts Lamar was making toward an environmentally friendly campus.
Cardinal Conversations
An evening of discussion.
February 21, 2019
Today I was invited to President Evan's home in alongside with other students and staff to discuss the acidification of ocean reefs and the effects of global warming. The discussion was led by Dr. Christensen and Dr. Flossi who talked about their research. One of Dr. Christensen's main subjects was the brittle star, in which they have the ability to alter their tolerance to higher or lower temperatures. It was really interesting to hear the results of her research, and the evidence of global warming. For Dr. Flossi, she discussed the efforts Lamar was making toward an environmentally friendly campus.
ACE Hardware Store Fundraiser
Raising money for the Pregnant & Parenting Scholarship
December 1, 2018
Coming from a university that welcomes nontraditional students, I wanted to do something to help parents and expecting parents during their time at Lamar. I got together with my friends from the Cardianl Joy Organization and we worked together to raise money for our Pregnant and Parenting Scholarship. This was an important cause for me because my mom had to leave college to take care of my older sister. We worked together with ACE Hardware store to sell baked goods. For the ACE fundraiser, I had baked cupcakes and volunteered for about 5 hours selling the baked items.
Texas Model UN
Learning about diplomacy first hand.
Participating in my first Model UN competition, I was part of the General Assembly 1 (GA1), discussing issues about nuclear disarmament, cyber security, and atomic warfare. After reflecting on the competition, I learned so much from my colleagues who represented other countries. As Israel, it was important for me to act my part and stay informed on pressing issues that involved my country. This would also include staying informed about who are my allies and who are not.
I am excited to continue my journey with Model UN next year and represent the country of Iran.
Picture feat. Iran Diplomat David Williams
STEM Building Opening
The Future of Lamar
Today was such an exciting day for Lamar University! The new STEM building was revealed to the general public. It features plenty of new labs, a maker space, and plentiful lounge areas for students to study and socialize. Personally, I feel as if this was definitely a step in the right direction in terms of development for Lamar. I hope to have a class here in the future!
Ballin Through the Semester
March Madness
It's March Madness month! HSA held a 2k Tournament in alongside a viewing party for the event! It was a nice break from the busy semester, and was nice to see everybody having a blast!
Plus... there was cookie cake