1. Malik Obeidallah
Samantha Rosenthal
Brown Leadership
09.13.2016
Final Action Plan
Two summers ago when formulating my action plan, I wanted to focus on
regenerative medicine and its applications in the real world. I explored and thoroughly
researched embryonic stem cells, after being introduced to the concept in class, and
realized the immense potential that these cells held. Genetically engineering stem cells to
differentiate into nerve, muscle, and even skin cells sounded incredible and I made it my
goal to advocate the use of stem cells on humans to help amputees regain control of their
life. Since stem cells are far from being effectively used as a method of treatment, I
looked into a second solution—3D printed prosthetics. 3D printed prosthetics are a
cheaper alternative to the other prosthetics on the market that cost thousands of dollars
and are usually not covered by insurance.
My initial plan was to start a club at my school that would raise awareness and
funds to purchase the equipment needed to produce the prosthetics while I dealt with an
organization called Enabling the Future that would help distribute the prosthetics after
their production and would provide students with the code necessary to print out the
prostheses. However, after reaching out to the organization in September of last year, I
was told that they were currently saturated with donors and couldn’t accept any new
members. Although I felt slightly discouraged, I decided to devise an entirely new action
plan. This action plan did not deviate from the over arching goal of providing sustainable
solutions to the disabled, it did however; abandon the use of stem cells and prosthetics.

2. Thorough research has led me to discover HelpMeSee, an organization that
campaigned to end cataract blindness. Shortly after looking into HelpMeSee I started a
club at my school, called Al-Ghazaly Relief Club, with goals that were similar to the ones
previously stated. I got in contact with Ms. Danielle Michaels, the Development Manager
for the organization, who guided me through the process of starting my fundraising page
and becoming a Student Ambassador in an initiative called Students for Sight. After
launching the fundraising page and recruiting members for the club, I began to run into a
few obstacles. For example, it was already mid-March and many of the members,
including myself, were busy preparing for our AP exams in May as well as other
standardized tests in June; this significantly hindered the progress I was hoping to make
and wasn’t able to meet my $2000 goal by June. At this point I took control of the
initiative alone and decided to restart the collaborative effort in the following year.
Since then, I’ve reached out to teachers, company executives, and even fellow
Leadership Institute Alumni such as Alyssa Rose and Elizabeth O’Brien who
enthusiastically contributed to the cause. In the five months I’ve worked with
HelpMeSee, my community and I raised $362 dollars providing 7 individuals with
cataract surgery, fully restoring their eyesight. There is a wise African proverb that states,
“If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together”; I believe that a group
effort is necessary if I want to take my action plan to the next level.
Therefore, in the coming months I plan on launching a massive regional fundraising
campaign with my peers and hopefully reach out to everyone we possibly can in Passaic
County, NJ.

3. The lessons I took home with me from the Leadership Institute have effectively
changed me life. One big takeaway from the Social Change Model and the 7 C’s of a
socially responsible leader is citizenship, which falls under societal/community values.
To be a good citizen is to work for positive change on behalf of others and the
community not only locally but globally as well. This has led me to develop my
philosophy, which is to seek perfection while facilitating the success of others. My work
with HelpMeSee has enabled me to adhere to this philosophy because by restoring an
individual’s sight, you are simultaneously restoring their life. Fathers are able to support
their families, Children are able to obtain a better education, and Mothers are able to
better care for their children.
The advice I would give to Leadership Institute students stems from personal
experience. I believe that in order for your action plan to be successful, it must be
congruent with your values and beliefs because as long as that is the case you wouldn’t
lose motivation in pursuing your goals no matter how challenging the road gets.
Furthermore, failures are lessons; whenever you run into any kind of failure take a
moment to assess the situation and understand why things didn’t work out? What could
have I done better? Was it bad group dynamics? Etc. learning from failures is key to
future success. Lastly, enjoy what you’re doing; your action plan shouldn’t be a dreadful
experience! Find creative ways to achieve your goals or let your action plan be an avenue
for self-fulfillment and happiness, as that is, in my opinion, one of the most important
things.
To learn more about HelpMeSee and to view my fundraising page please visit:
www.classy.org/ghazalyforsight or contact me at: m.obeidallah@jerseycom.net