Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University

Dr. Niveen bint Ali Ibrahim Awad


- 2019/12/14

 

Profile

Name

Dr. Niveen bint Ali Ibrahim Awad

Achievement

Top of her class in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) program for the academic year 1438/1439 A.H.

 

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

I graduated with an excellent grade, with first-class honors, thanks be to Allah. I was able to accomplish this achievement with the help of Allah, first and foremost, and then thanks to my diligence and perseverance over the years along with the help of a group of wonderful people, constantly assisting me in my journey. I cannot forget the great help of the faculty members and the university administration, who strive hard to provide an excellent educational environment that upgrades the academic performance and levels of the students.

People usually see the results and the success, in practical or academic aspects, but they do not see the challenges and pitfalls that sometimes hinder a person' path. Were there any difficult situations that you overcame, thanks to Allah, whose story you would like to share?

This is definitely true; I have encountered many difficulties and challenges and I been through a lot during my journey, but I was able to overcome them, thanks be to Allah.

Do you prefer oral or written exams, and why?

I prefer written exams because they give you enough time to think and review your answers. Oral exams, on the other hand, require immediate responses in a very short time, and you need to organize your thoughts and ideas to present them in the proper manner.

Have you always aspired to be the top of your class?

Of course! However, I do not allow tension or frustration to overwhelm me, praise be to Allah, even if the results are not good. I perceive them as a step towards achieving positive achievements.

Do you think that good performance in exams depends only on studying, or are there other factors as well?

Clearly, many factors must be available to achieve good performance and obtain excellent results. The first and foremost factor is the personality and ambition driving a person to work hard. There is also diligence, ability to handle psychological pressures aptly, ability to make the right decisions at the right time, time management, as well as having a healthy educational and social environment that allows the person to carry out his plans. Undoubtedly, studying comes under the factor of personal diligence; a person should love what he does and also aspire to accomplish other achievements beyond his studies. This can be done by attending lectures and participating in workshops, conferences, and awareness-raising campaigns, which greatly help in consolidating information in the mind in different ways and in keeping abreast of the latest developments in one's field.

Do you think that there is a direct relation between the number of study hours you put in and your excellent results?

Certainly, studying is not the only factor, but it is the most prominent one. Acquiring a new skill entails continuous practice over long hours. Similarly, studying is a skill that should be continuously developed and harnessed, to be able to manage study time efficiently.

Do you think the grade is a good indicator of employment chances and being selected from among many applicants for a particular job?

In some jobs and companies, the grade plays a lion's share, especially for academic jobs, for example. The grade is the fruit of six years of hard work and diligence, and it cannot be overlooked in any way. However, I believe it should be coupled and strengthened with other important work and achievements, such as contributing to valuable scientific research, voluntary work, leadership projects, and all sort of useful experience.

What techniques do you follow when studying?

Well, I rely on understanding the material well and learning more about the topics. I personally love reading and studying, and I am naturally curious and love learning new things. When we study a new topic in class, I try to understand it well using various ways and methods; I rely more on tables and illustrative drawings, mental maps, and various memorization techniques. I do not like memorization that much, and I cannot rely exclusively on it.

Do you like competitions? Do you consider them a positive element that motivates and drives you, or do you find them discouraging, putting you under psychological pressure and undermining your productivity?

I am a highly competitive person. I have always loved challenges, and I love challenging myself to do things. Challenge has always motivated me to work harder, and I work more effectively when I am under pressure. I do not accept anything less than the top, and I always aspire to be in the lead in anything I do.

What would you say to those who think that excellence is an unattainable achievement and can only be obtained by very few elite persons?

Like any other achievement in life, excellence is not exclusive to a certain group of people. In fact, whoever aspires to achieve something must work hard and strive to realize his goal. Whoever wishes to achieve excellence must work, search, and strive to meet the requirements of success. To be fair, it is not an easy journey, and this is why some people fail to reach the desired destination.

 

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