Hello! My name is Zurnain, and I am a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I am originally from Chicago, so I arrived at MSU knowing no one from my high school. Within a few months, though, I fell in love with the university and everything it has to offer: from getting the most out of dining-hall combos to enjoying the beautiful nature throughout campus. You can usually find me studying or watching a show at Sparty’s in Holden Hall, getting coffee with friends at Starbucks in 1855 Place, or making a late-night trip to Dave’s Hot Chicken off campus on the weekends. In just one year at MSU, I have made so many memories that I will cherish forever, and I am so excited to spend the next three years here. I would love to show you why so many people love this campus just as much as I do (although I might love it the most). I can share the best places to study, the most creative dining-hall breakfasts, and all the little things that can help you experience campus to the fullest. You may arrive with questions, but I know you will leave feeling confident in your decision. Go Green!

Hometown

Chicago

Major(s)

Civil Engineering

Clubs, organizations & involvement

During my freshman year, I joined two organizations that have played an important role in shaping my college experience: the Indian Student Organization (ISO) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). As someone from India but born and raised in the U.S., I came from a high school with a very small Indian population. I appreciated that MSU offered such a diverse community, with students from many regions of India as well as both domestic and international backgrounds. By joining one of MSU’s oldest student organizations, the Indian Student Organization, I met incredible people who helped me freely embrace an important part of my identity. I connected with others who shared similar experiences, and helping host cultural events for future graduating classes has been especially fulfilling. I began on the marketing team and am now serving as Vice President, a role for which I am truly grateful. I also joined the American Society of Civil Engineers, which gave me a supportive community of students pursuing similar career paths. Through ASCE, I have built new friendships, met professionals working in the field, and participated in job-site visits. These experiences have strengthened my confidence and helped prepare me for future internships, as well as the skills and topics I should focus on in upcoming classes. Although I hope to become more involved in other areas of campus, ISO and ASCE have established the qualities I value most in an organization: community, personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections.

Describe your college experience

Coming to a completely new state where it seemed like everyone already knew each other was intimidating at first, and I often felt lonely. However, putting myself out there became one of the best decisions I have made. Through doing so, I have created some of my favorite memories and formed meaningful, long-lasting friendships. These new experiences have shown me that there is still so much more for me to explore. MSU offers a wide range of opportunities, making it easy to continue pursuing what you already love while discovering new interests. I joined several clubs during Club Day and eventually earned an e-board position in a cultural organization that represents a community I am proud to be part of. Along with becoming involved culturally, As an aspiring civil engineer, I wanted to connect with and build relationships with other students who share my interests and career goals. Although I spend much of my time balancing these extracurriculars with schoolwork, I decided as a sophomore to rush this fall and find work during my free time as well. There is always something to do on campus, and the chance to try new things, meet new people, and keep growing is truly exhilarating.

Tip for future students

As a new student until recently, I made many mistakes that showed me college is the first step into adulthood. My biggest challenge was developing discipline and learning how to manage my time. Both are skills that take practice, and the first year of college is often when you begin to learn them. In high school, I could remember everything I needed to do in my head. That worked because my schedule was more routine-based, but college is different; you may have a completely different schedule every day. Some days are packed, while others may include only two classes and little else. Finding a balance between studying, having fun, and making time for yourself becomes possible once you develop discipline. It can be difficult, but everyone can find a method that works for them and carry those skills throughout college.

Favorite class

My IAH 207 class, Monsters, was an unforgettable class, because it showed that there is just an endless amount of history and information about a topic that someone might not take a second look at.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work full-time as a civil engineer in Chicago for a few years. Since I have lived there my entire life, Chicago feels like home, but entering the workforce there would still give me a new opportunity to become more independent and learn how to navigate adult life. Eventually, I hope to start a new chapter somewhere else in the world. I want to meet new people, try different foods, learn another language, and step outside of the habits and routines I have always known. There is so much of the world I still want to see, especially since I have never traveled outside the country. Although the idea feels intimidating, I know it could also be life-changing.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is one spent having fun and unwinding with my friends. We would get dressed up, play music loudly while getting ready, and catch up on everything that happened during the week on our way to dinner. After eating at a restaurant, we would head back to one of our dorms for a sleepover, where we could laugh, relax, and stay up talking while watching a movie. Even if we are discussing the same problems of balancing difficult classes each week, those conversations are meaningful. We get to reminisce about old memories, make plans for new ones, and simply enjoy each other’s company after a busy week. A night like that is always something I look forward to.

High school or secondary school

Lane Tech College Prep

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Holden Hall. On the first floor, Sandbox Bagel offers a convenient and delicious breakfast option for students on South Campus. Upstairs, Sparty’s provides even more variety, including a hot-meal station, acai bowls, and a Grubhub pickup area. Beyond the food options, Holden Hall has plenty of spaces to sit, study, and relax. I spend a lot of time there because I do not have to go far to find what I need. The atmosphere is especially appealing: it is quieter than a typical school cafeteria, but it still feels welcoming enough to have a conversation with friends. Holden is where I feel the campus community most strongly. It has the right balance of energy and comfort, creating an environment where I can focus on schoolwork, catch up with friends, or simply take a break between classes. Whenever I have free time and do not know where to go, I know Holden Hall is a place where I can feel comfortable and enjoy a little time for myself.