What is your general grade? What do you think this grade reflects?

I graduated magna cum laude, thanks to Allah.

In my opinion, this grade reflects how much effort I made during my college years. I think that the most prominent characteristic that this grade reflects is commitment. It is not possible to obtain high grades without diligence and care throughout the years of study. Therefore, keeping up a special grade requires long-standing and constant diligence.

What people usually see is success in practical or academic fields. But they don't see the challenges and pitfalls that sometimes come your way. Have there been any difficult situations that you have surpassed, thanks to Allah, that you would like to share?

I had a tough time in the third year and specifically in the first semester. I was very depressed and I didn't study all semester. When the final exams came I was not prepared for them. I finished the class with bad grades. I was very frustrated and lost hope of keeping up the outstanding performance I had started my university life with. What took me out of this dilemma was the graciousness of Allah. Then the honorary ceremony was held in appreciation of top class students. I found out at that time that I was one of the honored students. Although my ranking dropped dramatically after the third year, that ceremony gave me back the desire to continue. Here I note the importance of these tokens from the college or university of honoring the outstanding students, because appreciation of diligence and dedication helps strengthen their determination.

Do you prefer practical, oral, or written tests, and why?

I prefer more practical and oral tests. They give you the opportunity to discuss and talk about the topic in general and comprehensively. On the other hand, written tests usually focus on one point of a particular topic.

Have you always aspired to be top of your class?

Honestly, no. I didn't aspire to this. Maybe the phrase that better describes my case is that "I found myself in this place." What I aspired to, and actually worked for, was to graduate with excellence; to get an A+ grade.

Do you think that good performance in tests depends on study only? Or are there other factors?

In my opinion, studying is an important part, but it's not everything. Another equally important part is the art of answering multiple choice questions and dealing with difficult situations in practical tests. Here, I would recommend taking the time and effort to learn the skill of answering multiple choice questions, so that your study will be fruitful, and your efforts do not go down the drain.

Do you think there is a direct correlation between the number of hours of study and outstanding results?

I don't think so. Quality is more important than quantity. This is achieved by looking at how you study and how you focus, in addition to the sources of information during the study and practice in solving questions similar to the test. Therefore, the number of hours has nothing to do with the previous points in achieving outstanding results.

Do you think GPA is a good indicator for employment and short listing applicants for a particular job?

Yes, if combined with other indicators that complement it, such as volunteer activities, research, and courses. As I mentioned earlier, a high GPA reflects the important qualities of commitment and diligence, because it is not possible to maintain a high grade and graduate with distinction without them. These qualities are undoubtedly appreciated and are important factors for hiring or employment anywhere.

What is your method of study?

I always start by selecting the right source for study, so as not to get distracted. A good source varies from person to person. Some may prefer detailed, lengthy books, others prefer concise abridged books. I prefer the second type. Once you have identified the source, it is important to know the course objectives, so that you can progress according to a clear plan based on the objectives of the curriculum. It is equally important to discuss what you have read with your professors and learn from their experiences.

Do you like competition? Do you think it is positive and motivates you? Or is it something that puts you under stress and weakens your productivity?

I don't think it weakens my productivity, but it does put me under stress, so I never aspired to achieve a particular ranking. It is enough for me to learn and achieve good grades. I always like to be busy and focus on myself and develop and improve my level, without comparing myself to or competing with anyone.

A word that you address to those who believe that excellence is not easy to achieve; that it is confined to a small group of people.

I can almost certainly say that none of the outstanding and top students started out their university studies certain that they would be like that. In the first year, I never expected to graduate top of my class or be one of the top students. What I want to convey is that excellence is not confined to one group only; that almost everyone has equal opportunity. The only difference lies in diligence and constant commitment. This is a quality possessed by outstanding people.