Medina Etemadi

Motivated by her incredibly enthusiastic humanitarian spirit, whenever Medina Etemadi sees a need, she gets to work and inspires others to get involved.

Medina is a founding member and outreach officer for Closing the Gap, a student organization that gathers diverse community members with different experiences and backgrounds for candid, meaningful, and productive conversations around difficult topics. She coordinated the Closing the Gap Blessing Bag Project to provide essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene kits to homeless people in Washington, D.C.

Medina said, “Watching the individuals take the bags with gratitude and appreciation showed me that helping others is truly why I was put on this earth and the only thing I want to commit my life to.”

Medina believes that the world can and will find peace through intentional efforts to learn from others. She said, “It is important to take others' feelings, backgrounds, upbringings, and cultures into consideration when reacting to their ideas or concerns. This helps me separate myself from tough conversations, prevents me from taking certain things personally, and helps me empathize with others. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and appreciation.”

Her nominator wrote, “Medina is extraordinarily ‘other-centered’ and is always eager to make peers aware of issues that affect human thriving and well-being. I was impressed with Medina’s organizational skills and ability to execute a vision. Her stamina and work ethic are clearly motivated by an internal moral compass to serve.”

Medina said, “As an individual raised in an Afghan household, I have always been taught to respect others and give back to my community in any way I could. I always remind myself of the privileges I have been given and how fortunate I am to have grown up in a household where water, shelter, food, and healthcare were accessible. I feel it is my duty to serve my community, spread smiles, and treat all with respect and kindness. That is the true definition of civility. Showing humanity and empathy helps us understand others on a deeper level.”

Medina is a junior majoring in Health, Nutrition, Fitness, and Exercise, pre-dental pathway. This spring she was a teaching assistant for general chemistry. She is founder and president of University Allied Essential Medicine, a student group that promotes access to medicines and medical innovations for marginalized populations who face treatment barriers. She is also co-founder and vice president of the Afghan Student Association. Conversationally fluent in Persian, Farsi, and Dari, Medina has worked with the Blacksburg Refugee Partnership as a translator and coordinator for Afghan refugees. An avid volleyball enthusiast, she is also a volunteer coach and referee for high school athletes.

Medina’s plans for the future include graduating from dental school and opening up her own practice. She also hopes to provide free dental care for individuals who are unable to access it.

Medina, it is my honor to present to you the Aspire! Award for PRACTICE CIVILITY.