Do You Ever Sonder?

This month's article is about Marwa Zeid, a pediatric nurse and a very kind soul.

Marwa Zeid wakes up every morning and places an order at Intuition through the mobile ordering system. Her usual pick is an iced mocha, which she insists is the best mocha she has ever had.

On days when she is running a little late, she will place the order and her dad will pick it up for her, dropping it off at the Children’s Hospital where she works. The gesture sets the tone for her day. This morning treat is not just a coffee for Marwa, it's a ritual that brings her comfort and joy before beginning her day at the hospital, where she aims to serve her community as a pediatric nurse.

A rich cultural background grounds Marwa’s life. Her parents’ origins lie in the West Bank and Kuwait. They moved to the United States due to the Gulf War. Marwa was born after their move, at OSF. The hospital has always been a part of Marwa’s life. She closed the full circle with the career she ended up choosing.

Growing up, Marwa became deeply connected to her community through her involvement in things like sports and volunteering at her mosque. These activities were crucial to her time in high school and then into college, which influenced her long-term goals.

“I always knew I wanted to help people,” she says, and that clarity led her to pursue nursing. She completed her nursing education at OSF, but the journey wasn’t without obstacles. COVID-19 hit during her final semesters, drastically reshaping her clinical training. “Everything went hybrid,” she explains. “We missed out on real-life experiences with patients, which was tough.” Despite these challenges, she found strength in the support of her instructors and friends. She emerged from nursing school more determined than ever.

This determination was rooted in a very important part of her life: her identity as a Palestinian-American Muslim. As we got to talking about the ways we were raised, we started discussing religion. I was raised Catholic, and it was fascinating to hear the similarities and differences that existed between the two. She explained a concept to me that was invaluable in her day-to-day life: intention.

“We believe every action is an act of worship if the intention is right,” Marwa explained. This mindset informs her nursing practice, turning each task, no matter how small, into a purposeful act of service. The ongoing conflict in Palestine, where much of her extended family still lives, deepens her gratitude for the safety and resources available in the U.S. healthcare system. “It reminds me why I do what I do,” she says. She even described the ways there is intention in small activities like working out or nourishing your body with food. The act of contributing to her community was an act of worship.

Despite her busy life as a caregiver, she finds time to spend on herself. If she’s not at the hospital, she finds herself on a trail, in a new local spot, or at a coffee shop. A long-time enjoyer of local coffee, she recounted all the shops she’s visited. When her friends come into town, she is like a personal coffee guide for them, an often overlooked but very important job.

She has taken a special liking to Intuition for the coffee and for the way it operates. She remarked on the meaningful conversations she’s had with Ty, the owner.

“He is really all about community, you know, making sure he has a space where people are comfortable to come into, and bringing people together. And I feel when you have that intention in a space, you also invite people that have the intention to do so as well.”

Through her reflections, it was clear to me that Marwa was deeply grounded by gratitude. Her sense of purpose was insightful and inspiring, a bright light in hard times.