What better way to showcase the remarkable diversity of UNLV, than to have camera crews follow around 20 students from various majors, to see what “Rebel Life” is really like, both on and off campus.
In November, a crew from the television series The College Tour spent several days at UNLV interviewing students about their college experience. The full episode will debut on the Amazon Prime streaming platform May 23.
The 20 students represent a wide array of majors, everything from journalism and media studies to mechanical engineering and hospitality. One student talks about her life as a college athlete, another chronicles how UNLV’s stackable financial aid and scholarships made it possible for him to study abroad while remaining debt-free.
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is well-represented by second-year medical student Kian Habashi, a former bodybuilder and outdoor sports enthusiast. When Habashi heard that producers of The College Tour were looking for students to profile, he thought it would be a fun experience, so he submitted a short video of what he does in his free time.
Well, the producers couldn’t possibly say no after seeing Habashi mountain-biking, cliff-jumping, and off-roading not far from the UNLV campus. The Henderson native was eager to show people what Las Vegas has to offer, away from the bright lights of the Strip, and he thought this was the perfect opportunity.
“I was lucky enough to be born here and be exposed to the depth of outdoor adventure that Las Vegas has to offer," Habashi said. "I want to make others aware of all that there is!”
He made them aware alright. The camera crew that followed him into the desert may still be recovering after hauling their equipment up on the rocks that Habashi loves to climb. In fact, they eventually decided to launch a drone camera to capture the size and beauty of the wilderness area that is his playground.
The segment also follows Habashi inside the new Kirk Kerkorian Medical Education Building (MEB), showing off some of the unique architectural spaces, where he chats with classmates and spends quiet time studying. During the shoot, one of the show's crew members — who had been to more than 100 campuses — remarked that MEB was the most impressive university facility he’s visited. Habashi and the other students featured in The College Tour do an admirable job demonstrating exactly how UNLV provides the perfect mix of academics and recreational opportunities.
The segment makes one wonder how a medical student can find time to explore so much of what Southern Nevada has to offer. The truth is, Habashi has been exploring all corners of the Valley since he was little. He graduated from Coronado High School – where he played on two state champion tennis teams – before earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from UNLV in 2020. In addition to being a busy medical student who likes to climb rocks, he is a certified personal trainer. Obviously, an all-gas, no-brakes kind of guy despite being involved in a serious accident that limited his ability to do what he loves.
“In 2016, I had a major snowboarding accident in which I severely dislocated my shoulder and tore my rotator cuff. I was unable to play tennis, mountain bike, rock climb, or even run. Sports and physical exercise have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was my outlet for not only having fun and keeping healthy, but also for coping with emotional stressors.”
Habashi attempted to recover with therapy and rest, but eventually opted for surgery. The decision not only changed his life, but refined his focus in medical school.
“It was not until I was able to see an orthopaedic surgeon that I could get my life back,” Habashi said. “He helped comfort me through the process, explained the procedure in great detail, and gave me reassurance. I am now back doing all the activities I enjoy, and I would be honored to be able to do that for someone one day.”
So now, Habashi has his eye on orthopaedic surgery as a specialty and it seems a perfect fit.
But first, he has two more years of medical school and many more rocks to climb. “It’s going really well so far. I have made so many friends, created great memories, and have really lived life to the fullest, while moving closer to becoming a doctor!”
