Hi! I’m a Biological Science major at Rutgers who loves meeting new people and making the most out of every experience. I’m involved in several campus organizations, including MIST, MSA, the Bonner Leadership Program, and Douglass College, so I’m always doing something new or meeting someone new. I’m also a huge foodie and have made it my unofficial mission to know all the best places to eat around campus—from quick bites to hidden gems around College Avenue. When I’m not studying or involved on campus, you’ll probably find me spending time with my family and friends, exploring somewhere new, reading, or baking. I’m friendly, outgoing, and always happy to help someone feel at home or point them toward my favorite Rutgers spots.

Hometown

Edison, NJ

Major(s)

Biological Science or Animal Science or Exercise Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am involved in a variety of organizations at Rutgers that allow me to connect with others, serve my community, and explore different interests. I am a member of MIST (Muslim Interscholastic Tournaments), where I serve on the PULSE Committee and help create spirit and community during the competition. I also help with programming by organizing workshops and finding judges for competitions. I am part of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), where I attend events and connect with other students, as well as the Bonner Leadership Program, through which I work at a local preschool and participate in community service. I am also involved in Douglas College, which connects students with mentors, speakers, internships, and professional opportunities. Additionally, I am a member of the Rutgers Blood Initiative, which promotes blood donation and organizes blood drives, and Gift of Life, a bone marrow and stem cell registry that connects potential donors with patients in need of transplants. I am also involved with Rutgers UNICEF, which works to support UNICEF's efforts to improve children's health, education, safety, and well-being around the world. Finally, as a commuter student, I am part of the Commuter Association, which provides commuter lounges, resources, mentorship, and events designed to help commuter students build connections and feel more involved on campus.

Describe your college experience

My transition to college has been a really exciting experience so far. Starting college has given me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, become more independent, and explore new interests. I have gotten involved in several organizations, which has helped me build connections and feel more connected to the Rutgers community. Although college has been an adjustment academically, especially with challenging classes like calculus, I have enjoyed learning how to manage my time and balance academics with my involvement outside the classroom.

Tip for future students

One thing I wish I knew before starting college was how important it is to set yourself up for the semester from the beginning. Everyone has a different way of staying organized, whether that is using a planner, a journal, or Google Calendar, but having a system makes it much easier to keep track of classes, assignments, and deadlines. As soon as you receive your syllabi, I recommend putting all of the important dates into your calendar and double-checking them against Canvas and your homework platforms, since dates can sometimes be different. I also think it is important to remember that college gives you a lot of freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility. You can absolutely have fun, spend time with friends, join clubs, and go out, but you also have to plan ahead so that your responsibilities do not get in the way. Finally, put effort into the relationships you build. The people you meet in college can become lifelong friends, classmates, coworkers, and professional connections. Joining clubs and getting involved is a great way to meet people who share your interests and can introduce you to opportunities you may not have found on your own.

Favorite class

My favorite class is a FIGS Seminar class that I take once a week because I love my instructor. In class, we talk about current events in the world that affect each of our daily lives, including topics such as AI and gas prices. It is an Exploring Economics class.

Career goals

I have not completely decided what I want to do after college, but I am currently exploring two paths: becoming a veterinarian or pursuing physical or occupational therapy. I am interested in careers that allow me to work directly with people or animals while making a meaningful difference in their lives. Right now, I am applying for biology-related internships to gain experience and learn more about the fields I am considering. As I narrow down my decision, I also plan to look for assistant positions in veterinary medicine, physical therapy, or occupational therapy so I can gain hands-on experience and better understand which career is the right fit for me.

Ideal way to spend a free night

The best way to spend a free night really depends on my mood. Sometimes I love going for a drive and spending time with my siblings and cousins. We might go out to eat around College Avenue and then walk around campus, which is one of my favorite ways to have a relaxed night. Other times, I’ll go out to dinner with my best friend or just spend time at each other’s houses. I also enjoy going to family-friend functions, even though I’m not really a big party person. If I’ve had a particularly stressful week, though, nothing sounds better than staying in bed with a good book, watching a show, eating some comfort food—probably ramen—and baking something. I think my favorite part of a free night is simply having the freedom to choose what I need that day, whether that’s being surrounded by people I love or having a quiet night to myself.

High school or secondary school

John P. Stevens High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the Busch Student Center. I especially like the pizza place in the back and enjoy sitting there to study and get work done. It is usually less crowded than some of the other student centers, which makes it a comfortable place to focus. Another place I spend a lot of time is the tutoring center on Bush because I take Calculus 135, and it has been really helpful when I need extra support with the material.