UPG Viewer

20 Years Old

Iraq

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am a second-year medical student studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH). My journey so far has been full of learning and meaningful experiences that have helped me grow.

Before starting medical school, I completed a one-year General English Foundation program, which improved my language and academic skills. I am an active member of the MedHand organization, where I take part in practical sessions like learning how to check vital signs, perform CPR, read ECGs, and practice suturing. These hands-on experiences have helped me build important medical skills.

I am also part of the organizing committee in the Guide Organization, where I help plan and organize courses and practical sessions for students and junior doctors. Volunteering has been an important part of my journey. During the 2023-2024 academic year, I volunteered in the UKH Administration Office, where I supported tasks and events. I also helped organize Open Days and school visits to UKH, which gave me the chance to connect with students and encourage them to pursue higher education.

Additionally, I volunteered at the Second International Medical Kurdistan Conference, where I worked with professionals and gained valuable experience in the field of medicine.

These experiences have taught me how to work in a team, organize events, and manage my time effectively. I am proud of the skills I have gained and look forward to continuing my learning and making a positive impact in my field.

My relevant strengths are: creative, action-oriented, disciplined, problem-solver, communication skills, analytical thinking, adaptability, leadership, empathy, and passionate about sustainability.

As a medical student, I’ve used my communication skills to help patients understand their diagnoses and treatment plans. One particular example was when I was working with a patient who was anxious about a recent diagnosis. They were confused about the treatment options and had many questions. I took the time to explain their condition in simple terms, breaking down medical jargon and using visuals to make things clearer. I also made sure to listen to their concerns and encouraged them to ask more questions. By communicating effectively, I was able to ease their anxiety and help them feel more confident in their treatment decisions. This experience showed me how important clear and compassionate communication is in building trust and ensuring positive outcomes in patient care.

I have volunteered multiple times. For example, I volunteered at the UKH administration office during the 2023/2024 academic year, where I assisted with organizing student records and helping visitors. I also volunteered at UKH’s open days and school visits, guiding prospective students and their families, answering questions, and providing information about the university. Additionally, I volunteered at both the Second International Medical Kurdistan Conference and the Climate Change Conference at UKH, where I helped with event organization, registration, and ensuring smooth communication between speakers and attendees.

These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, time management, and adaptability. I also learned how to effectively communicate in different settings and with diverse groups of people. Volunteering has helped me build valuable interpersonal skills and deepened my commitment to contributing to meaningful causes.

Secondary: I have completed secondary school

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would focus on reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. My project would be called “Clean and Green: Plastic-Free Future.”

This project would aim to reduce the use of single-use plastics by raising awareness about their harmful effects on the environment and encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives like reusable bags, bottles, and containers. I would organize workshops in schools, colleges, and local community centers to educate people about the importance of reducing plastic waste and demonstrate how small changes in daily habits can make a big difference.

Additionally, I would collaborate with local businesses, cafes, and markets to create a “Plastic-Free Partnership Program,” where they commit to reducing plastic packaging and using biodegradable or reusable materials. To make this project engaging, I would launch a monthly cleanup drive in the community, inviting people of all ages to join in cleaning up public spaces and recycling collected waste.

I chose this project because plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to our planet, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. I believe that with the right tools and knowledge, individuals and communities can work together to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. This project will empower people to take responsibility for their environment while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Here are some challenges I expect to face while leading the “Clean and Green: Plastic-Free Future” project and how I plan to overcome them:

One challenge is convincing people to change their habits. Many are used to the convenience of single-use plastics and may find it hard to switch to eco-friendly options. To address this, I will educate the community through workshops and social media, showing the benefits of reusable items. Giving out free or affordable reusable bags and bottles during events can encourage change.

Another challenge is limited awareness and interest. Some people may not understand the impact of plastic waste or feel their actions won’t matter. To solve this, I will use real-life examples and fun activities like cleanup drives to engage them. Partnering with schools will also help spread the message to families.

Some businesses may resist using sustainable materials due to costs or lack of awareness. I will meet with them to explain the benefits of eco-friendly practices and help them find affordable alternatives. Recognizing their efforts publicly can also encourage participation.

Funding and resources might be an issue for organizing events and providing reusable items. I plan to seek support from local organizations, grants, and sponsorships, and use crowdfunding to raise money. Relying on volunteers will also help reduce costs.

Keeping people interested long-term could be challenging. To maintain engagement, I will celebrate small successes and keep the community updated through newsletters and social media. Involving them in decisions will create a sense of ownership and encourage participation.

By addressing these challenges with careful planning, I believe this project can make a real difference in creating a cleaner and greener community.

About 200 people

No or Not Yet

Due to my studies as a medical student and the need to focus on my final exams, I am unable to submit a video at this time. The demands of my coursework and exam preparation require my full attention. However, I have provided a detailed written application to share my passion and ideas for the project. I hope you understand and still consider my application based on the responses I’ve submitted.

This is the wildcard section. As an evaluator, please provide a rating based on your overall impression and your sincere gut feeling about this application. No other justification is required.