Episode 25: Mina Iskander

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June 3, 2018

“He’s a simple person. He enjoys the simple things.” People describe me this way, but they don’t mean it negatively. Or maybe they do, I’m not sure. I think that’s why I want this story to be short and sweet. This better defines who I am. I try not to focus on the past and live life day by day.

I developed this mindset after moving from Ireland to the United States. I actually applied for medical schools and got accepted in Ireland, but most of my extended family was already living in the states, and my parents wanted to move here for work and to be near family, so I applied here as well. I had taken my high school final exams as well as the MCAT equivalent in Ireland, but I decided to come here because I thought my career would be more fulfilling in the US than in Ireland. I had a great time at undergrad at the University of Miami, but it was definitely difficult at first. It was obviously tough to leave my friends and life behind in Ireland, and my family was living in Michigan at the time. However, I realized that with any change there will inevitably be challenges. The friends I made and the experiences I had in Miami were amazing, and I had a great four years. Now, being here in New York for medical school is a dream, and is definitely not where I imagined my life to be 5 years ago. I am grateful and thank God every day for what I have and am excited to see where life takes me in the future. It would also be a plus if I could have a good laugh on the way. There’s definitely a lot I miss about Ireland, but there’s even more to cherish over here. If Arsenal could win the premier league in the near future, that would also help my mental health a little. Also, come through and catch the world cup games with me this summer - #Egypt2018 #MoSalah



What are your 5 Most Recently Played Artists on Spotify?
Drake, Russ, Stormzy, Partynextdoor, Maitre Gims

If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose?
Probability manipulation. Although you can’t make the impossible possible, or prevent the absolute from happening, you have free reign for everything in between. I’m happy with that because I don’t want to mess with the world too much. But if not that, then teleportation. It would make life so much easier.

Pick something or someone from NYMC go give out a shout out to!
Special shout out to “The Lads” and the 1111 squad - what’s left of it (Nick Sherman I will never forgive you)

If someone wanted to talk to you, they should lead with…
Wanna play a cheeky game of FIFA or “I’m Sorry Murad has prioritized the study of medicine over your relationship with him, want to go grab a beer and talk about it?”