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Rahaf Abu-Shalbak

2,075

Bold Points

2x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Rahaf, and I am a proud Arab American, born to immigrant parents who pursued the American Dream with unwavering determination. While I have always strived to make my parents proud through my academic achievements and relentless effort, I have now found a deeper purpose in working for myself as well. My goal is to pave the way to becoming a nurse, with aspirations to further my career in medicine, ultimately supporting my parents who have tirelessly supported me and my sisters. I am driven by a profound desire to give back to my family and the community that has shaped me into the person I am today. With an insatiable curiosity for the field of medicine, I am passionate about helping people every day. My strong work ethic makes me dependable, and I aspire to be a key figure in my community, elevating my humanity through compassionate care and dedication.

Education

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Houston Community College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • GPA:
    3.9

Lawrence E Elkins H S

High School
2021 - 2022
  • GPA:
    3.9

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Genetics
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Nurse practitioner/Family doctor

      Sports

      Badminton

      Junior Varsity
      2018 – 20202 years

      Bowling

      Varsity
      2018 – 20213 years

      Arts

      • School Course

        Photography
        2019 – 2020

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Chicago Ridge Library — Volunteer
        2015 – 2017

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
      Nursing is more than a career choice for me — it is a profound calling. My passion for nursing stems from a deeply rooted desire to be present in people’s most vulnerable moments, to offer more than just clinical care, but genuine empathy, strength, and hope. I believe that nursing is one of the most human professions in existence. It requires intelligence, precision, and resilience, but equally, it demands compassion, presence, and a heart that doesn’t give up on people. I am passionate about nursing because it allows me to bridge science and the soul. It lets me use my mind to understand complex health conditions, and my heart to treat each patient as a whole person — not just a diagnosis or a room number. Every patient has a story, a family, a fear, and a hope, and I want to be the nurse who sees all of it. I want to be the one who walks into the room and brings calm in the chaos, strength in the uncertainty, and healing, even when a cure is no longer possible. From my career as a nurse, I hope to grow not only professionally, but personally. I want to be pushed, challenged, and changed by the people I care for. I want to build meaningful connections, advocate fiercely for those who cannot speak for themselves, and continually learn — because in nursing, growth never stops. I hope to become a source of support not only for my patients, but for their families and for my colleagues. I want to leave a legacy of integrity, compassion, and tireless dedication. The area of nursing I am most passionate about is critical care. The ICU draws me because it is where medicine and humanity collide in their most urgent, intense form. Lives hang in the balance, emotions are raw, and moments matter deeply. It is a place where I believe I can make the most impact — by bringing clarity to chaos, empathy to fear, and strength to moments when families are breaking. In this high-stakes environment, I will be an advocate, a protector, and a steady presence to people who truly need the help. My impact in critical care will be rooted in the way I care. I want patients and families to remember that even in the scariest moments, someone stood beside them — fully present, deeply committed, and entirely human.
      Rahaf Abu-Shalbak Student Profile | Bold.org