In May 2025, Arwa Abdelhakiem graduated from Missouri State University with a major in cell and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.
Earlier this year, she received the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), one of the nation’s most competitive awards.
The program supports fully funded study abroad in critical languages through intensive coursework and cultural immersion, which are vital to global engagement.
As a scholarship recipient, she spent the summer studying Korean in Busan, South Korea.
Finding her path at Mo State
Abdelhakiem grew up in Springfield, Missouri. Since childhood, she was surrounded by science. Her mother, Dr. Wafaa Kaf, once a doctor in Egypt, has been an audiology professor at Missouri State since 2003. Her two older siblings, who are also doctors, inspired her to study biology and chemistry.
Abdelhakiem began as a biochemistry major when she came to Missouri State in fall 2021 but soon, she wanted more focus on biology. With support from her advisor, Dr. Gary Meints, professor in chemistry and biochemistry, she switched majors and found courses that fueled her curiosity.
“That advice changed everything,” she said. “I started choosing classes that interested me, not just checking boxes.”
Outside the classroom, she served as vice president of the Muslim Students Association and competed on the university’s debate team. She also advocated for bringing a permanent halal menu to campus dining halls and organized intercultural events across campus.
“Those roles taught me leadership, collaboration and time management,” she said. “They shaped me as much as my courses.”
Learning in Busan
Her Korean language classes during her freshman and sophomore years opened the door to the CLS program.
In Busan, she spent two months in intensive study. Her days included lessons, cultural excursions and practice with locals.
“Living in Busan pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “As a Muslim woman in hijab, I stood out, but people welcomed me. I built amazing friendships that made the experience unforgettable.”
One of Abdelhakiem’s favorite memories came from spending time at a small café. The woman who worked there encouraged her to practice Korean at every visit and celebrated her progress.
“That support reminded me how language can bring people together,” she said.
Carrying lessons forward
This fall, Abdelhakiem moved on to her next chapter at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry to become a dentist.
Her childhood dentist first sparked her interest for the field. That spark grew stronger through her time at Missouri State and her experience in South Korea.
“Missouri State gave me a strong science foundation and CLS gave me the confidence to connect across cultures. Both will guide me as I begin dental school,” she said.
She believes empathy and communication will be central to her work as a dentist.
“I want to serve patients with respect and compassion,” she said.
Abdelhakiem encourages other students to seize the opportunity to study abroad.
“Go for it,” she said. “Studying abroad changes you. You’ll come back with new skills, new memories and a new outlook on life.”
