Blomshabeb: Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Mariam Yassin: I'm Mariam Yassin, 19 years old, graduated from Al-Kawthar High School, Beirut with a Lebanese Baccalaureate (Part II) in General Sciences. I came first in the Lebanese official exams for general sciences which is really a great experience.

BS: Can you tell us more about your education?

MY: I chose general sciences, though I like life sciences, because I really didn't enjoy the methodology used for answering questions in biology. So I avoided it all together, but now I am enrolled in the premed program at the American University of Beirut... I wanted to study to become a dentist but the major wasn't available so I chose premed and I'll pick a specialization that suits me eventually.

BS: When were you first made aware of the Blomshabeb program and how did you come into contact with them?

MY: When I was still in school, we had a visit from a representative who informed us of all the functions that the Blomshabeb program offers, but I didn't really come into contact with them until after I came first in the official exams. They prepared a dinner in honor of the top students and they gave out gifts and such. It was a really interesting and special event.

BS: Do you have advice you think would help young people such as yourself?

MY: I'd tell them not to push themselves too far or too hard. Let them do what comes naturally to them, at their own rhythms. They should also keep in mind that they're young and they should live their lives while they can.