“Everyone deserves the right to be heard, to connect, and to express themselves fully, and being able to support individuals in finding their voice is a privilege I so deeply value.”
Name:
Zaina Ahmed
Program/Year:
Speech-Language Pathology, Class of 2027
Hometown: Bartlett, IL
Undergraduate Degree:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.
I initially pursued a pre-law track before I transitioned into healthcare!
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
As cliché as it may sound, the ability to help others is what truly fuels me every day. Communication is essential to human connection, yet it can present as a challenge for many individuals. Through my professional and personal experiences, I have seen firsthand how deeply communication impacts confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life. Everyone deserves the right to be heard, to connect, and to express themselves fully, and being able to support individuals in finding their voice is a privilege I so deeply value.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
I come from a family with diverse career paths, none of which include speech-language pathology. Throughout my teenage years and into adulthood, I have volunteered and worked in clinics, special education classrooms, and other related settings. At the time, this was just a personal interest, but this gradually became something much more meaningful, eventually shaping the direction I wanted my career and life to take.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
I chose Midwestern University because of how intentional the program felt from the very beginning. The hands-on curriculum, strong emphasis on interprofessional relationships, and heavy prioritization of student success stood out to me. It was so clear to me the emphasis Midwestern puts on not only academics, but also the development and growth of confident and compassionate clinicians.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
Choosing to attend Midwestern University remains one of my best decisions. I will always carry the passion displayed by faculty and my cohort to grow, improve, and contribute meaningful work to the field. The drive to be better, do better, and create better is deeply ingrained in this program.
Anything else you’d like to add?
This school, and especially my program, truly feels like a family. We all support one another as we prepare to step into the lives of others. The opportunity to support patients and loved ones through clinical care, help someone discover their voice, express their love to their friends and family, or even communicate their creativity, is deeply meaningful. The experiences I have gained so far, not including the many more to come, will stay with me for a lifetime.
