We sat down with Amira Madi, a Management major and recent recipient of a Ted Bauer Undergraduate Scholarship. This dedicated senior shared her determination to persist after graduating high school during COVID and how the uncertainty of that time led her to study management.

What brought you to UHD?

I originally wanted to study criminal justice but decided to look into business management. UHD helped me realize what I could do with my major. Not only did they supply me with an education but gave me resources that helped me navigate COVID, like ethernet hotspots, and, of course, scholarships. UHD provides a lot to students, and it’s one thing I really appreciate about the school.

What about Management drew you in? What do you want to do with your degree?

I graduated high school during COVID. There were a lot of problems and issues during that time, that, in my view, go back to management. Life literally is business, and you have to know how to handle things and how to survive. I thought there was so much that could have been done better. It made me want to learn more about how resources are handled.

During my junior year of college, I became an assistant manager at a private, nonprofit preschool and got a little taste of what management is like. Being able to use what I learned in class made me realize that all the work I was putting in was worth it. I actually enjoyed what I did, and my work schedule allowed me to be a full-time student.

Who has inspired you?

My dad studied management and business and gave me some insight. Our conversations made me want to study management to benefit myself and everyone else. I’ve learned not only how to manage my time, people, and money in my classes, my studies have also built my character and pride in myself. He inspired me to believe that I have it in me to hold a management position.

Are you involved on campus?

I am involved in the Muslim Student Association. I live far from campus and have been an online student, so getting to know more people from school and getting involved has been great. I’ve met a lot of great people because of the Bauer Scholarship program as well. I feel more comfortable being involved with different events and more comfortable being on campus.

You mentioned that you have put all your focus into succeeding in your education and staying consistent with outstanding work. Why is that so important to you?

I care about succeeding. I want to make my parents proud, and I want to make myself proud. My goals are all about making sure I am doing things right.

I’m on course to graduate in the Fall. I’m still young and people have told me that when you’re young you should learn new things you can make use of. Before I start a different chapter in my life, I want to make sure this one is done correctly.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned at UHD that you’ll take forward when you graduate?

Throughout my journey, I’ve noticed so much about myself that pushes me to do what I do. I’ve been prioritizing myself, which is not something I’ve done all my life, but it’s an upgrade. I am making something of myself to give to the community and the world. I could have given up when the road stopped being smooth, but I am staying on the path and not letting anything get in my way.

What’s some advice for future Gators?

To future Gators, I would say: Use the resources. They are being offered; they are there; and you should take the hand that is offered. Be proud of every step you take because even the smallest achievement pushes you toward greater things.

For more information about the Ted Bauer Undergraduate Business Scholarship and other scholarships available at MDCOB, check the MDCOB Scholarship page.