1. What brought you to study Holistic Nutrition at IHN?

After a major life change, I found myself needing to support myself independently. I began searching for employment, but I struggled to find a job that truly suited me. During a meeting with my employment adviser, she asked me, “Why don’t you continue your education?” She knew that I had attempted multiple academic programs in the past, but life circumstances always interrupted my progress and prevented me from completing them.

Nutrition has always been a passion of mine. Years ago, I was told that studying nutrition would be too difficult for me, especially since English is my third language and the path to becoming a nutritionist required four years of university. Still, I never lost my interest. When my adviser mentioned studying nutrition—specifically at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition—I smiled spontaneously. That moment reignited something in me.

Just to clarify that I am originally from Iraq, from the ancient Assyrian civilization called Chaldean, now. That is why I speak Assyrian (Chaldean), Arabic and English.”As a child, I was a top student and had a deep love for learning. Though war and early marriage disrupted my education, I never gave up. Now, I’m finally fulfilling my lifelong dream—I’m graduating from IHN.

2. What professions have you worked in prior to enrolling at IHN?

Before enrolling at IHN, I worked in a variety of roles. I served three times as an election clerk, both in Ontario and outside of Canada. I also worked as a membership assistant at Costco.

3. What degrees or academic achievements did you have prior to IHN?

I earned my Ontario high school diploma as an adult. From a young age, I loved school and dreamed of obtaining several degrees and certificates. However when I was 16, war interrupted my life and education. I married very young and when my husband wanted children my daughter was born, and I couldn’t continue my studies. My passion for learning never faded, but a few years later we had to leave the country. I attempted college and other programs three times before IHN, yet each time something interrupted my education. Now, as a single mom of two wonderful daughters, I am more determined than ever to follow my passion for learning, especially in the field of nutrition.

4. What are your goals/aspirations as a CNP?

As a future CNP, I envision a Healing Hub Center for Women, where nutrition is united with fitness. Particularly, my niche will focus on women’s hormonal imbalance, metabolic health, weight loss, and sports nutrition. While I plan to focus on these areas, I remain open to working with clients from all backgrounds and with a variety of health concerns.

5. What has been your personal best achievement?

My best personal achievement is becoming a CNP soon 🙂 Graduating from IHN with the accredited applied diploma represents one of my lifelong dreams being fulfilled.

6. What is something you overcame in your life, that you didn’t think you could?

In 2019, I had a deadly car accident. I was severely injured, I had to undergo a plate surgery on my right hand, my whole life changed, I was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and I developed severe depression due to my injury and other problems. Today, after all of these years, I no longer have that pain in my hand or body, no more depression, and I go to the gym and lift weights no problem. I have overcome CRPS and depression. Thank God!

7. What is something about you that would surprise people?

1. Singing is one of my natural talents. I joined a choir at 14 or 15, and when my choir leader discovered my voice, I began performing solos. I even have some of my songs uploaded on YouTube.

2. Humanitarian work is very close to my heart. After 16 years away from my country, I returned to Mosul—a city devastated by ISIS—where I worked alongside other organizations to support orphans, widows, and refugees.

8. Is there anything you would like to share about your experience at IHN so far?