Passionate
Polymath

UIC senior Mohammed Haq believes that nothing is unattainable if you work hard, and his guiding principle is to always do things he’s passionate about. That’s what set him down the path toward two terms as the student representative on the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and a future in dentistry. Here’s what he has to say about life at UIC and where he hopes it will take him.

WHY UIC?

I want to be in a place that is welcoming and open and gives me the ability to explore and figure out what works for me and what doesn’t, and that’s what UIC is. UIC represents diversity, excellence and a drive towards racial justice. UIC’s identity resonated perfectly for me, both personally, and professionally. And in my time here, I’ve cultivated my skills and gained platforms to have life-changing experiences and build a passage toward my desired future.

WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR?

I’m majoring in biological sciences because I’ve had a passion for science from a very young age and it aligns perfectly with my pre-dental pathway. UIC College of Dentistry is my top choice, and so this field of study is the perfect foundation for me to become a dentist.

WHY DENTISTRY?

As a child, I was fascinated when visiting the dentist, and I’ve always wondered why. I went to a clinic to figure out what this profession is, and I began to explore it. Last year, I had a chance to shadow a dentist and a surgeon, and I saw myself being able to do it. We had a patient who covered her mouth when she came in. She wasn’t comfortable in her own skin. We walked her through the process of a complete restructure. She was nervous, but we got her through the procedure, and when she saw her teeth, she burst into tears. That moment is when I realized, this is what I want to do. I want to be in a position where I can give someone’s confidence back.

WHAT IS YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ROLE?

I am the representative of the UIC graduate and undergraduate student body to the Board of Trustees, which is composed of 13 members. Ten are appointed by the governor and three are selected by each university in the University of Illinois system. My job is to provide a student perspective. I advocate on issues including tuition, campus safety, mental health resources and capital projects.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I want to become a dentist in my own practice and put smiles on people’s faces. I’d also love to be involved in the political arena in some capacity. I’m not sure exactly, but the things I’ve done in this field gave me the bug to go after policy work, advocacy work or maybe even working in higher education.