Rimah El Bayouk

Pronouns: 

He/him

Major: 

Biochemistry

Hometown: 

Cairo, Egypt

What are your campus involvements? 

Member of Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA), First and Second Year Transition (FAST) program peer mentor and staff coordinator, and student center operations assistant.

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU? 

My favorite experience at SSU has been serving as a peer mentor and being part of the First and Second Year Transition Program. Being able to support first-year students and guide them through their college journey has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s fulfilling to continue the cycle of care by offering the same support and encouragement that I received during my own first year.
 

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it? 

The most challenging part of my college experience has been overcoming culture shock as an international student, especially when it comes to developing independence and being expected to know everything right away. I’ve learned to give myself grace and to ease into independence by gradually stepping out of my comfort zone and getting more involved on campus. It wasn’t easy at first, but each small step helped me gain confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Along the way, I realized that asking for help and learning from others is also a sign of growth. Taking things one day at a time is the way to go.

What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay? 

I wanted to go to a school that fostered both my personal and professional growth, and I knew that close-knit community school like SSU would be perfect for that, where I could form meaningful connections with my peers and professors, and gain access to networking opportunities while contributing to society and being an active member of my community. Being at SSU I have grown in more ways than I could ever imagine. What motivates me to stay is that I want to continue to see progress in that growth and see where it will take me.

Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here? 

Someone who has had a significant impact on my SSU journey is my professor and research advisor, Dr. Monica Lares. She gave me the opportunity to join her research group, where I truly learned what it means to pursue a career in chemistry research. Another person who has greatly influenced my SSU experience is my peer mentor, Andrea Ponce, who encouraged me to become a peer mentor myself and join the First and Second Year Transition (FAST) Program. This experience has become an integral part of my identity at SSU and has shaped the way I connect with and support others on campus.