WCMC-Q's Class of 2011 celebrated their completion of the two-year Pre-medical Program with faculty, staff and guests with a presentation of certificates at the Medical College followed by a gala dinner at the Diplomatic Club on May 13.

It was a happy occasion marked with a tinge of sadness as the class reflected on their first two years at Weill Cornell in Qatar and the fact that some students may not return in the fall. The Committee on Admissions of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York will decide who will be successful in gaining entry to the Medical Program.

Dean of WCMC-Q, Dr. Daniel R. Alonso, congratulated the class for their achievement in completing the program and paid tribute to their perseverance, dedication and motivation.

He commented on their progress since entry in fall 2005, and promised them that he, and the pre-medical faculty, would continue to follow their futures.

"You have now climbed another rung in the ladder of life! Of course you never know where the ladder will lead or even if it will be a straight path," Associate Dean for Pre-medical Education, Dr. David Robertshaw told the students.

"For your professors and staff in Pre-medical Education, it has been an honor to observe your maturation as you prepare to take the next steps."

Nasser Mohamed said the End of Year Presentation brought on mixed feelings of relief that the Pre-medical Program was behind him and concern about the future and getting into med school.

"The past two years have had a great impact on my life," he said. "Besides broadening my knowledge, my personality has changed a lot. I believe I am more able to handle pressure than I used to be, but I know the next stage will be even more challenging."

Anas Saleh said the Pre-medical Program had sealed his determination to pursue a career in medicine.

"The last two years have helped me push myself to the limit and strive to prove myself... I feel enthusiastic about the Medical Program since medicine is what I am looking for as a career. I plan to focus all of my energy on studying medicine."

Anas reflected on the dynamics of his class and how it had changed over just two years: "In the first week of the Pre-medical Program we were a group of strangers, now the class is more of an intimate family. This ceremony was a turning point for us. It was our last chance to meet as a family."

Students presented a certificate to each faculty member who had taught the Class and acknowledged their teaching assistants.

During the gala dinner, students presented one another with marks of recognition for everything from best smile to smartest dress-sense.