Zaid Salman

Biological Sciences '17

You can tell almost immediately that Zaid Salman is an extraordinary young man. The Drexel senior, who majors in biological sciences with a concentration in pathology, came to the University aiming for medical school. Now, thanks to one of his immunology professors, he has spent a summer working in a laboratory that engineers leukemia patients' own immune cells to create patient-specific cancer treatments. The joy of developing and running his own experiments in this pioneering field has opened his eyes to the possibility of a career in research.

A Drexel Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Drexel Family, lessened Salman's concerns about college fees, freeing him to explore multiple paths through different kinds of hands-on experiences. The scholarship fund supports undergraduates who best exemplify the ideals of Anthony J. Drexel through their exceptional volunteer work in the community and who have a significant financial need.

Since his sophomore year at Drexel, Salman has spent his weekends working the overnight shift at the Friends Home in Kennett Square, serving as a personal care assistant from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., "giving assistance to elderly people who are sick, injured, and mentally or physically disabled." He now also volunteers at Chester County Hospital in the afternoons. And he sought opportunities to shadow physicians at the Veterans' Administration Hospital, where he volunteered as a sophomore — anything to learn more about healthcare. "I just love working and helping people," he explains. "For me, it's a very special feeling you get when you help someone or they say 'thank you.'" He also observes that "there's nothing like the smile" that a grateful patient gives to a doctor.

Kindness is a hallmark of Drexel for Salman, along with a great faculty, diverse student body and unique co-ops. When he visited campus for the first time, he got a bit lost in the imposing train station at 30th Street and a faculty member who noticed his distress sat down with him and drew him a little map. "All the students and teachers were so helpful," he remembers, "even though my English was not very good" at the time.

Salman had to teach himself English quickly when he started 8th grade because his family had escaped from Iraq and spent three years in Jordan before finding permanent asylum in Pennsylvania. Salman's father, an architect, had worked for the US forces during the war against Saddam Hussein, leaving the boy, his disabled younger sister and both parents targeted for violence. "I still get flashbacks to the sound of bombings with every thunderstorm," he admits.

After he received his Drexel Family Scholarship, Salman wrote to the University: "Your generosity has made a profound impact on my life and I am truly very grateful. Thank you for making it easier for me and other students to stay in this environment of growth and opportunity." He concluded, "I will never forget the generosity extended to me and hope that one day I will be in a position to extend it to others."