Coptic Koinonia Tony Saad

We want to hit the big topics...and that's exactly what we'll do in this episode of Coptic Koinonia. Karin Morgan, a senior at Rutgers New Brunswick, will be discussing an issue that we might be slightly uncomfortable talking about: racism. While our religious beliefs and Christ's teachings are without flaw, sometimes our culture is not as perfect and so we will be focusing on racism specifically in our community. Opening up a discussion about racism is the first step to mending any gaps we may have in truly loving others the way Christ taught us.  

In this short, Not-So-Special Edition Episode, I hope to remind you of how special YOU are — that you are capable of amazing things. The description is in the title. Don't give up. No matter your age or your life circumstances, it's not too late to dream big. You are a uniquely designed and have extraordinary potential in store. So if you've forgotten, here is your reminder. 

Mental health is a topic that has been stigmatized for ages. Whether it affects us personally or people we care about, it is important that we open ourselves up to this issue to better understand it. Drs. Hennen, Elfar, and Fam Filtes, all recent graduates of New Jersey Medical School, are entering their residencies in psychiatry. In this episode, our guests will answer questions that many of us have about mental health. As a Coptic Community, we must remain informed and provide platforms for us to discuss such issues openly with one another.

Thomas Azer, a Rutgers New Brunswick graduate and servant at St. Mary's Church in East Brunswick, talks to us about his passion in IT and technology.  He brings to light his own journey and how he switched from a Pre-Med student to an IT major. While he discusses his mindset throughout college, Thomas gives a message that should resonate with all of us in any stage of life: create your OWN journey. Whether it be in school or service, no one should be afraid to be different from their peers and do what God uniquely intended for them to do. Thomas explains how to combine our passion with our service,  and thus reach unparalleled levels of both joy and success in whatever we do. 

Feminism in the Coptic Church? Optometry? Mariam Elias, Rutgers Newark graduate and future optometry student, will help open our eyes about both (yes, pun intended). We often close our minds to ideas that might make us slightly uncomfortable to talk about. But doing so, stunts our growth as a community. The truth is our Middle Eastern culture sometimes clashes with our Coptic faith, feminism being a prime example of these clashes.  By addressing these ideas, we are being true to our faith as a church and bringing Christ into our daily lives.

Tony Ghaly, future lawyer and President of Newark's Coptic Society, will be discussing his path to human rights law and how we as a Coptic community can begin to engage more in the outside world. He will speak to us about how we can use our talents and what students of all ages should do to reach their dreams and tap into their potential. The Coptic Community is special, and Tony explains how we can harness the capabilities we have and truly make a difference.