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Rahaf Abu-Shalbak

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Bowling
  • Badminton
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Baking
  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Animals
  • Anatomy
  • Arabic
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Forensics
  • Movies And Film
  • Henna
  • Health Sciences

Reading

  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Classics
  • Fantasy
  • Humor
  • Magical Realism
  • Mystery
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Romance
  • Science Fiction
  • Thriller
  • Young Adult

I read books multiple times a week.

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
GPA3.9 GPA

Lawrence E Elkins High School

High School

2021 – 2022

GPA3.9 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Majors of interest:
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Genetics, Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Medical school interest:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Nurse practitioner/Family doctor
Has nursing license:
No

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