Emory grad excels academically despite rare eye cancer condition

Marwah Ismail is a first-generation college student. The Somali-American is graduating from Emory University with honors in religion and Italian studies on a pre-law track. (Photo credit: Marwah Ismail)

Marwah Ismail has a testimony.

She’s a first-generation Somali-American who will soon graduate from Emory University with honors in religion and Italian studies on a pre-law track.

Over the past four years, Ismail had many experiences, including attending virtual classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, studying abroad in Italy, and interning with U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Minneapolis district office.



But while excelling academically, she struggled with her health. She used optimism and resilience to push forward.

On Friday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Ismail talks with show host Rose Scott about her journey of being diagnosed with a rare and malignant eye cancer while earning her undergraduate degree.