Meet Your Student Government
2023-2024 Student Government Association
Nawel Messaoudi | SGA Senator
Originally from Tunisia in North Africa, Nawel Messaoudi is studying biology with a special interest in microbiology. The first in her family to attend college, her journey in education has been marked by determination and a strong commitment to learning.
When she first came to the United States, Nawel barely spoke English. This made it hard for her to express herself, write essays, and talk to professors and peers. These problems, along with feeling like she didn’t belong, were challenging at first.
But Nawel was determined to go to college. She found a good fit at Kingsborough Community College, known for its nursing program, and it was close to her home in Brooklyn. While preparing for the nursing TEAS exam, she took a microbiology class and fell in love with bacteria culture. This led to her decision to change her major.
Nawel isn't just a good student; she's also active in her college community. She's the president of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society; serves on the Achieving the Dream student success committee; and is working on a mentored research project as part of the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP).
The best thing about Kingsborough, according to Nawel, is the strong support for students and the help she gets from her professors. They've played a big part in her education.
Her involvement in student government came about unexpectedly after meeting outgoing Student Government officers at an Awards Night event. Motivated to make a positive impact on her fellow students and the college community, she decided to run for office.
In her role as student government senator, Nawel hopes to address student concerns and support her peers. She believes that the student government is a platform where students' voices can be heard and their needs addressed.
After Kingsborough, she plans to go to CUNY Hunter or Columbia University to study bioinformatics. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. and become a scientist specializing in computational biology, focusing on finding a cure for type 1 diabetes through pancreatic B cells.
Nawel's advice for new college students is simple: ask for help when needed, believe in yourself, and be respectful. She says it's important to appreciate what professors offer, respect their time, and build positive relationships. And never take opportunities for granted.
During her studies, Nawel has been inspired by great professors who pushed her to do her best. She's thankful for their guidance and looks forward to staying connected with them.
“Thank you, Kingsborough Community College, for allowing me to shine and prove to myself that I am worthy and that education is valuable. I never believed I would thrive in an academic setting, nor thought I could find joy in studying and loving school again. My dreams really did begin here."