Jihad "Gigi" Karrat

Jihad Karrat, better known as Gigi, is a freshman who is majoring in Integrated Media and Strategic Communications with a minor in Theater. She comes from a unique background and has an interesting story that you may not expect by looking at her.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Gigi grew up in the Netherlands in the city of Amsterdam. She grew up without a father due to unfortunate circumstances, as it was not healthy to have him around. Her mother and father divorced when she was six months old, and part of it was due to her health and safety. She grew up with her mother and her mother's family, which included her mother, five brothers, and Gigi's maternal grandparents. It was in a small apartment in the Netherlands.

When Gigi was 24, she reunited with her abusive father as his last wish was to see her. She traveled to Morocco to fulfill his last wish to see her as he was on his deathbed. He was suffering from a brain hemorrhage/stroke. She knew this would be the last time she would meet her father; they did not have a real chance to talk as he was close to paralyzed at this point. Through this visit, she was exposed to several family members on her father's side that she never knew existed. She met her half-brothers and sisters and her two stepmothers. She found out one of her stepmothers who had divorced her father, was a Dutch woman who had converted to Islam and continues to live with her father's family in Morocco. Gigi felt that finding her family she had never known about was interesting as they were very similar to her. She feels that these are her true family members. Gigi explained the day after she left to go back home from visiting her father, was the day he passed away. She knew that in the end, she had to put the past aside and allow herself to meet the family she was never exposed to growing up. She is now 30 and has been living in the United States since she got married two years ago.

Gigi has a more complex story that I hope to share in the future as her story is unique. I would highly recommend talking to her and getting to know her better.


- Isabel C. Merriman

Darby Shafron

Darby Shafron is a sophomore from Cleveland, Ohio. She is majoring in Public Health with a minor in Theater. She is a member of several clubs on campus.


Darby is setting herself up for a successful future, as she is finding ways to develop skills for both her major and her minor. She is a member of the Sustainability Club, as it will help prepare her for a successful future in the Public Health field. Darby can utilize this club to develop knowledge in the Sustainability area of Public Health. She is setting herself up for success in her Theater minor by being an active member of both the Theater Club and Modern Cinema Club. The Theater Club provides Darby with regular experiences in Theater. Through the Modern Cinema Club, she can stay up to date with the latest movies. By having the opportunity to stay up to date with movies, it will help her write and learn about the newest media out and use that for success in Theater.

A play she worked on this year

Darby has made accomplishments in Theater, as she is currently the Production Stage Manager of the Mercyhurst Theater Production. This position is a significant accomplishment, as it is not an easy thing to accomplish. Darby has worked hard over the years to move up and gain skills that are essential for a successful career in Theater. She has taken advantage of the opportunities she has been presented with.

Darby has figured out what she plans to do after she graduates with her Public Health degree. She plans to go to Medical school after graduation to pursue a career as either a General Pediatric Surgeon or as a Sexual Health Educator.





Darby grew up in a loving family that helped her become the person she is today. She grew up with her parents and her two brothers--She has an older brother named Robyn and a younger brother named Spencer. Her family has helped her achieve the success she has today, through their love and support over the years. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out and watching with friends. She enjoys taking time to relax through, reading, baking, and listening to music.




Darby is someone you can tell is hardworking and passionate about anything she does. She works hard for what she wants to achieve.

- Isabel C. Merriman