Maria El-Arif is a Grade 12 student at the Lycée Français de Toronto,being part of the school community since Grade 2. As Editor-in-Chief of the LFTimes, Maria leads the student newspaper with creativity and dedication, overseeing its editorial direction while contributing across writing, photography, design, and outreach. This year, she is especially focused on writing a wide range of articles—from research-based pieces to general interest stories—bringing depth and variety to the publication.Maria is passionate about biology and remains deeply involved in Model UN, where she continues to develop her skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and negotiation. These interests align with her aspiration to become a pediatrician and work in health policymaking. She dreams of collaborating with global organizations such as UNICEF or Doctors Without Borders to improve children’s healthcare worldwide.Outside of academics, Maria enjoys staying active—whether it’s playing soccer, biking, or practicing piano. She has a keen eye for photography and often captures the beauty of the world around her. Her love for travel is also central to her life, and she hopes to visit every country in the world, experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. In all that she does, Maria is committed to making a positive impact, both locally and globally.