Imaan Siddiqi
A 2018 summer internship with the Hidalgo County, Texas, public defender’s office is where Imaan Siddiqi discovered mental health court. “I realized that law wasn’t for me in terms of a future career, but I discovered my passion for mental health advocacy,” she said.
In 2019, she interned at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wake County. There, Siddiqi worked on the “Ending the Silence” mental health program for Wake County schools and youth programs, which is designed to bring awareness and foster a healthy environment to destigmatize mental health issues. While her internship is officially over, she is hoping to continue working with NAMI this summer.
Health care figures prominently in Siddiqi’s future plans.
“I want to go to medical school and specialize in emergency or intensive health care. I’m getting EMT certified, which has solidified my interest in emergency medicine. I’m in the health science academy at Athens and EMT is one of the tracks available. It’s one of my best experiences in high school. I definitely want to use my EMT certification,” she said.
One way Siddiqi will manage her own mental health in an intense career? The drums. “I was a student at the School of Rock and I really love it. It’s a great stress reliever!” She earned her black belt in karate and serves as a mentor for younger students at her dojo.
She also volunteered with the Triangle Refugee Partnership, working as a mentor and activity leader for young children, primarily from Syria.
“My family is pretty involved in our local mosque, which is how I got involved with the Refugee Partnership,” she said. “There’s a big refugee population in the Raleigh area, including some family friends. It’s difficult for many of them to get the things that we take for granted.”
At ECU, Siddiqi hopes to get involved with student organizations related to mental health and emergency health as well as the Muslim Student Association and groups celebrating South Asian culture.
“I chose ECU because I felt really connected to the campus and the scholars program when I visited. I didn’t feel that connection elsewhere. And I know I’ll be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals and have lots of opportunities to excel,” Siddiqi said. “Also, I’ve been dreaming of studying abroad since middle school. Last year, I got to visit Singapore. It has such a bright atmosphere and a diverse culture. I’d love to study there.”
EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
Siddiqi is the daughter of Kulsum Tasnif and Asim Siddiqi.
“As an EC Scholar, I know I’ll be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals and have lots of opportunities to excel.”
High school: Athens Drive Magnet High School
Intended major: Public health
Hometown: Raleigh