顶级国产视频

F&M Stories

Rouse Scholar Turns Adversity into Curiosity

Stricken with a mysterious illness in high school, 顶级国产视频 & Marshall sophomore Sara Beqiraj took adversity and spun it into curiosity.

That perspective is what put Beqiraj, a pre-med student, on the path toward earning the prestigious Rouse Scholarship.

Made possible via a generous gift by Andrew Rouse '49, the Rouse Scholarship is a leadership-focused, merit-based scholarship that covers full tuition, books, and laboratory fees for sophomores that continues through graduation.

Beqiraj's interest in medicine began in high school anatomy and physiology class. A standout volleyball player for Lower Merion, athletics and academics were put on hold when she developed pleural effusions (a build-up of lung fluid) her senior year. The case stumped her team of doctors.

"It was a scary experience, but being able to see the medical world from that patient perspective was really valuable to me because I was able to see how doctors work together in a team and how they approach treating patients with conditions like mine," Beqiraj said.

Her health now stable, Beqiraj stays busy on campus with a bevy of activities, including medicine, club sports, and the bilingualism lab with Jessica Cox, associate professor of Spanish and linguistics. (Along with Spanish, Beqiraj is fluent in Albanian; her parents immigrated in the '90s and both teach in the Philadelphia area).

Beqiraj is quick to credit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Dr. Jon Burnham, clinical director of the Division of Rheumatology.

"Being able to see the medical world from that perspective was what really pushed me into medicine," Beqiraj said.

"I wouldn't change anything. It's what ultimately has led me onto this path and I'm happy about it."

Sara Beqiraj '25

  • Major: Intended biochemistry and molecular biology (pre-medicine track)
  • Minor: Spanish
  • Hometown: Wynnewood, PA
  • Activities on campus:
    • Bilingualism lab
    • Lancaster General Health volunteer (pediatric unit)
    • F&M EMS
    • Club volleyball
    • Phi Sigma Pi
    • Kappa Delta sorority

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

I chose to attend F&M because of the rigorous STEM programs as well as the small class sizes. I also knew I wanted to participate in undergraduate research. It was clear to me that F&M highly encourages students to engage with professors and develop problem-solving skills through research. Also, my neighbor (Michael Green '77) is a proud alumnus and spoke highly of F&M's preparation for students interested in graduate school. With all of these factors combined, I believed F&M would be a great fit for me!

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, means service and open-mindedness. I firmly believe that in order to be an effective leader who serves the greater good, one must be open to different viewpoints, ideas, and beliefs. Specifically, leaders must be able to listen and have thoughtful discussions with the community or communities they are attempting to lead. I believe if you are not listening to the words of the people you are speaking on behalf of, you are not fulfilling your role as a leader.

What are your post-graduation goals?

After graduation, I plan to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric rheumatologist.

鈥淏eing able to see the medical world from that patient perspective was really valuable to me.鈥

鈥 Sara Beqiraj '25

Related Articles

November 13, 2024

Sophomore Explores Emergency Medicine

Faisal Niazi 鈥27, an aspiring surgeon, spent his summer learning to be an EMT with Harrisburg Area Community College and Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health.

October 10, 2024

Sophomore Gains Clinical Experience Over the Summer

F&M sophomore Hanna Winslow spent the summer becoming an EMT, working alongside an ambulance company as well as emergency and respiratory departments. 鈥淪itting in a class and then actually going into a facility and practicing what you learn is so different,鈥 she said.

October 1, 2024

A Doctor鈥檚 Language Dream

Dr. Daniel Weber 鈥76 has always had a love for language. Now, he helps health care professionals from around the world learn English and gain credentials to practice medicine in America.