Sarah Karimi '27 (SUNY Geneseo photo/Matt Burkhartt)
Meet sophomore biology major Sarah Karimi from Syracuse, NY. Karimi is the president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and a member of the Pre-Dental Club and the South Asian cultural club, Shakti. She also works in Associate Professor Travis Bailey's lab, assisting in researching retinal regeneration and development in zebrafish. After graduation, Karimi plans to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. She hopes to return to her home country of Afghanistan to promote oral hygiene education and improve access to health care, particularly for women and young girls.
Q: What have you found most valuable about your time at Geneseo?
A: The strong sense of family and community. From the first day I arrived, I was surrounded by warm, supportive, and genuinely welcoming people. During my first semester, I got involved with many cultural clubs, where upperclassmen and peers guided and encouraged me to grow. The friendships I've made and the incredible people I've met have shaped my personal growth, and I know these relationships will stay with me for a lifetime.
Q: When did you start to feel at home at Geneseo?
A: The fall semester of freshman year felt like a fever dream! Moving to a new environment where I didn't know anyone was daunting at first, but it also turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my college journey. Meeting new people and forming lasting friendships during that time gave me a sense of community and belonging, making Geneseo feel like home. Even if you don't remain close with everyone you meet in your first semester, those initial connections are instrumental in shaping my time here and making me feel grounded.
Q: What was one challenge you were presented with and overcame at Geneseo?
A: One of the most significant challenges I faced during my time at Geneseo was navigating the social dynamics of a predominantly non-Muslim campus while staying true to my identity as a Muslim woman. At first, I found it challenging to connect with others because of cultural differences, and I did feel isolated at times. However, I realized the importance of embracing who I am and started reaching out to others by joining clubs that celebrated diversity and inclusivity. I also initiated open discussions about my culture and beliefs, which led to more meaningful interactions and friendships based on mutual understanding, for which I am endlessly grateful.
Q: Other than learning from your coursework, what else have you learned from your college experience?
A: One of the most unexpected lessons I learned at Geneseo was how vital resilience and adaptability are. When I arrived, I believed that success was about strictly following a plan and excelling in every situation. But as I juggled my coursework, research, and leadership roles, especially during tough times, I realized how vital it is to adjust when things don't go as planned. For instance, when I struggled with my general STEM courses, I turned to resources like professors' office hours and study groups instead of trying to handle things alone. I’ve learned the value of being flexible and asking for help—skills I know will be prevalent in my career and life.
Q: You are the president of the MSA. How has that experience benefited your time here?
A: Leading the MSA has allowed me to connect with diverse students and foster a sense of community for Muslims on campus—where they can find support, celebrate our shared faith, and educate others about our religion and culture. There have been challenges along the way, especially balancing the responsibility with my academic workload, but those challenges taught me how to be adaptable and work effectively under pressure. The role has allowed me to create initiatives, like our first Ramadan and Eid events. Being a part of MSA has enhanced my leadership skills and deepened my sense of purpose in contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Q: Why did you choose to major in biology?
A: Dentistry is my lifelong dream, and I chose to major in biology because it provides a strong foundation for pursuing this career. The evolving nature of the field ensures that there is always something new to explore, which keeps me constantly engaged and motivated when I'm studying. My background in biology will support my future dental career and enrich my understanding of human health.
Q. What advice do you have for incoming students?
A: My advice to incoming students is that everything will be okay, and you don't need to rush through anything. This is especially true for incoming STEM or pre-health students, where the pressure can feel overwhelming. It can be very daunting when you hear peers talking about their extraordinary GPAs or boasting about their straight As. What's more important is your overall well-being and growth. You won't get these years back, so focus on what you can control, and don't stress over what's beyond your reach.