The First Member of the Class of 2030

As a binding applicant, how did you know that Minerva is your dream university?

I’ve always known Minerva was where I wanted to be. I’ve never liked the idea of sitting in a traditional classroom; instead, I want the world to be my campus. At Minerva, I’ll get the chance to meet new people, expand my horizons, and learn from different cultures and traditions.

I also love the untraditional way Minerva teaches: courses are designed to connect with the cultures of each rotational city, through location-based assignments and real-world experiences.

Another big reason is the civic projects. I’m eager to work with local companies and organizations in every country, gaining hands-on experience and learning how business works around the globe.

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What role did your brother, Fady (M25), play in your decision to apply?

My brother was one of the biggest reasons I applied. Hearing about his experiences gave me a real and trusted perspective on what Minerva is like. He showed me how Minerva could support me in achieving my dreams, and that made the decision feel so much clearer.

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How does it feel to continue the Minerva tradition in your family?

My parents really admire Minerva, especially after seeing the impact it had on my brother, Fady (M25). The challenges he faced made him stronger, more open-minded, and more connected to different cultures around the world. I’m proud to continue that tradition and even more excited to be the first M30 in my family.

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What was your favorite accomplishment that you submitted in your Minerva application?

Serving as student union president was my proudest accomplishment. I represented over 14,000 students from 18 schools, and being one of just 35 members in the Capital Student Union Council gave me a huge sense of responsibility. It taught me how important it is to amplify the voices of those who trust you to represent them. During my term, I organized a visit to the Egyptian Commandos and arranged interschool competitions that strengthened unity among students. I also led the General Secondary Operations Room, where I was responsible for ensuring the final high school exams ran seamlessly and that students’ rights were fully protected..

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What are you most looking forward to in your Minerva journey?

I’m most excited about the civic projects, which will let me work with different businesses around the world. I’m also looking forward to exploring each rotational city through location-based assignments and really getting to know the places I’ll be living in. In terms of industry, I’d love to work in finance — learning directly from global institutions like the World Bank, which Minerva has partnered with in the past, would give me valuable insight into how financial systems operate on an international scale.

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Is there a particular city in the global rotation you’re most excited about?

Buenos Aires. I’m really excited about the city’s strong focus on civic engagement and community-driven projects. I think it will be the perfect place to dive into hands-on experiences, especially connecting with local organizations that are passionate about social impact. Plus, the mix of European and Latin American culture makes it such a unique city to learn from.

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What are you excited to bring to the Minerva community next year?

I want to bring my leadership experience and my passion for connecting with people from different backgrounds. Having represented thousands of students before, I’m eager to contribute to conversations, support my peers, and help strengthen our community while learning from others.

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What are some of your academic interests, and how do you hope to explore them at Minerva?

I’m interested in studying computer science with a data science concentration, as well as business with a focus on finance. I want to explore how data and technology can shape businesses globally, and Minerva’s approach — with civic projects, global rotations, and real-world learning — will give me the chance to apply these academic interests in practical, meaningful ways.

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What would you say to fellow high school seniors who are thinking about applying to Minerva?

Be yourself and stay curious. Learn everything you can about Minerva and its values, and make sure it’s the right fit for you. If you’re excited by challenge, global experiences, and thinking differently, Minerva would be the perfect place for you too.

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‍If you were inspired by Martin’s story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.