Asmaa Abbas
by Professor Melissa Tortora
It is inarguable that Plaza College has anything but an interesting, motivated, diverse and vibrant student population. In the past two issues of Seasons, we have profiled several students at our school, bringing you stories from our unique students to your laptop (or desktop, or netbook, or smart-phone, or other piece device for web-browsing technology). However, we have never profiled a brand new student on her initial impressions and experiences with regard to our school. Today, we bring you Ms. Asmaa Abbas, a freshman student on her way to joining the ranks of shining stars at Plaza.
Ms. Abbas, perpetually on time and eager to learn, met with me in the Learning Resource Center after her Monday classes for our first ever freshman spotlight interview. We first talked about her background.
“I was born in Saudi Arabia,” she said, and speaks Arabic fluently. She moved with her family to Cairo, Egypt in 2001, and returned to the United States in 2010. When asked why she chose Plaza College, her excitement and passion for the school became clear, though she's only been here for two months. “At first I didn't know anything,” she began, “I just moved here. It started when a counselor called Stephanie,” who works in our Admissions office, “spoke with my parents.” Her father was trying to contact colleges to get her started in school. “I had no idea about GEDs or bachelor's degrees, and she taught me everything,” Ms. Abbas says, in high praise of Stephanie's work as a counselor. “She gave me my first impression of Plaza, which was that this is the best school.”
Ms. Abbas plans to earn her degree in Medical Assisting here at Plaza. Her hobbies are varied, and allow for a lot of creativity. “I love drawing, Photo-shopping, using the Internet and computers, and writing.” To clarify, Photoshop is a computer program used to create effects in images that would be very difficult or impossible to do with basic artistic tools like pencils and paint.
Having worked with Ms. Abbas in LL57 since September, I can vouch for her excellent work ethic. When asked about it, she answered, “I personally don't like studying. But, you have to study to be a respectable person in society. You have to know what to leave out of your schedule in order to succeed. Honestly, this school is the best school I've ever attended because of the support it gives you. If you have 80 percent devotion to studying, Plaza will give you the support you need to go to 100 percent.” In fact, her favorite thing about us is that “Plaza College treats you like family. The environment is like your second family, unlike any other school I have ever been to.” She further describes it as “friendly, helps you cope.”
Ms. Abbas offers some advice for other students at Plaza, whether they are freshmen like her or finishing up their last semesters: “Make a study plan before you study. No matter what the subject is, a study plan is very important. In a study plan, you have to say what you're going to study, and how many times you will review the material. This will help you do well.”
Last but not least, when asked about her favorite experience at Plaza so far, Ms. Abbas does not hesitate. “Orientation was the best,” she says. “Professor Howle chose the best people to speak. From the smile on his face to the speakers he chose, everything about it was warm and welcoming. Dean Loffert – what can I say? She's so energetic, and smiles and thanks you whenever she sees you. She's the best.”
Ms. Abbas plans to become a pediatrician one day. After getting experience and saving some money, she would also like to go back to school for art and produce her own educational cartoon for children.
Before she left, Ms. Abbas wanted to leave readers with these parting words: “If you are reading this and haven't yet enrolled in our school, I highly encourage you to do so!”