Aida Shakeri

“I am able to serve, so I have, and so I will.” With that philosophy driving her relentless work, Aida Shakeri reaches the heart of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

“To know Aida Shakeri is to be a better person,” said one of Aida’s TWELVE nominators. “When you are around someone as dedicated and passionate about helping others as Aida is, you can't help but feel motivated to do the same.”

Aida is a pre-med student who takes her studies extremely seriously, working in the library late into the night. She contributes to immunology research. She helps displaced refugees settle in our community through Blacksburg Refugee Partnership by providing tutoring services and translating between the refugees and local school aids.

Aida also interns for refugee partnerships in a program called Elimisha Kakuma.

Through this program, Aida helps Kenyan refugees establish a life in America with tasks like applying for college, inspires students to reach their professional goals through her mentorship, and tutors online and in person to help students become proficient in English at a level that will be required in higher education

“I've seen her get up in the middle of the night to help a student fill out their college application, or to revise essays,” said a nominator. “She texts her mentees regularly to see how they are doing and to help them in their journey to higher education.”

Aida also volunteers with the senior community at Warm Hearth Village, assisting in daily living activities and providing comfort and company to those who need help.

A senior in biological sciences in the College of Science, Aida said the highlight of her college experience is being a published co-author assisting with research work for lupus.

“I have learned the invaluable lesson of time management while at Virginia Tech,” said Aida. “As a senior, I feel like I have truly cracked the code on how to do everything from volunteering at a geriatric community center, to being on leadership boards, to succeeding as a full-time student, and still having fun and meeting amazing people.”

Aida said, “Ut Prosim is the reason I have volunteered for Blacksburg Refugee Partnership, with hospice in Northern Virginia, and with seniors at Warm Hearth Village.”

“Through my experience with Elimisha Kakuma, I know how extremely fortunate I am to have the physical resources that we do at Virgina Tech,” said Aida. "Knowing how lucky I am to have these things, I have wanted to give back in whatever way I possibly can.”

“Ut Prosim means the world to me,” Aida said, “and I am lucky enough to be a Hokie. I plan to carry our school motto with me throughout my future career as a physician.”

For her devoted service to youth, to elders, to friends, and to strangers, I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for EMBRACE UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE to Aida Shakeri.