For Nour Waizani (BS ‘24), balancing her passion for nursing with volunteering felt instinctive, as both are deeply rooted in altruism, compassion, teamwork and a commitment to lifelong learning. By embracing this synergy early on in life, she has already experienced its profound impact on her professional and personal success.

With seven years of extensive volunteering across local and international NGOs, LAU institutions and hospitals, she was chosen—immediately after her graduation this summer—to participate in the second annual Regional High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Young People’s Learning, Skilling, and Transition to Decent Work, held in June 2024 in Tunisia. The selection was a testament to the rich, transferable skills Waizani honed at the LAU Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing (ARCSON) and through her community service.

“Participating in the event was a valuable networking opportunity, and I met several high-profile individuals from UN specialized agencies,” she said. “If it weren’t for my current role with UNICEF’s Community-Based Youth Advisor Group and the experience I’ve gained from years of community engagement, I doubt that I would’ve been selected.”

Waizani represented Lebanon at the international event co-organized by UNICEF, UNDP, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNFPA. Working with delegates from the Lebanese government and ministries, she presented at a panel on Lebanon’s commitments to implementing supportive policies and practices to overcome obstacles in young people’s transition from education to employment alongside youths from different MENA countries.

According to Waizani, the strong communication skills she developed while studying for her nursing degree have enabled her to effectively convey and creatively tailor her messages to different groups. “This came in handy when I presented at HLM,” she said. “I had to be adaptable, empathetic and culturally sensitive, distilling complex info into clear language that resonates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.”

“At LAU, I had the opportunity to develop these competencies and skills in various settings, including clinical rotations at hospital different units, community health centers and mental health wards, where I engaged with diverse populations and gained invaluable experience.”

This is not the first time Waizani has been recognized for her dedication and commitment to helping others. She is the recipient of the Torch Award, an honor given to graduating students who exemplify exceptional leadership and a strong spirit of service. “As a nursing student and now a graduate, I believe these qualities are integral to the profession,” she said.

Waizani shared that she was on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council in Byblos, where they discussed student affairs and worked on solutions to campus-related issues.

“Through all these opportunities, I was able to significantly boost my leadership and collaboration skills to drive positive change,” she said, noting that she had also volunteered as a student representative for the ARCSON Curriculum and Academic Council.

This fall, Waizani, who already holds a minor degree in psychology, is taking additional psychology credits, having developed a passion for the discipline from her experiences in the mental health wards and her year-long volunteering as a lifeline operator with EMBRACE, a local NGO dedicated to accessible mental health support and awareness.