When I first came to Stony Brook with little hopes and non-existent dreams, I was skeptical of everything this place had to offer. Little did I know how much I would learn and grow here.

 

I am now proud to say that in May of 2018, InshaAllah, I will be able to walk away from here with two internships, one TA position, one heck of a job experience, countless memories, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

 

I did not even know what my major was going to be, when I first got here, let alone everything else. I was lost, and naive, and most of all, incredibly homesick. However, with time I learned how to be independent and manage my time and my health, while also looking after my friends and remembering to call my family abroad. What I would like to reflect on the most, is the hardships that I managed to overcome.

 

My biggest hardship was to combat my homesickness which I involved myself in work and school and seeking counselling whenever I felt the need. My experience when you move to college far away from your homeland, the main part of the hardship is living away from the parents. What helped me get through it was talking to my friends here and going to social events, most of them being organized by the MSA (Sisters Soiree is my favorite!). Other than the MSA I got to contribute to the lives of the people that were seeking help, through my job at the Wes Quad Office.

 

So, to add on to the many qualifications and professional experiences Stony Brook has offered me, I have also learned how to live on my own. The time in Stony Brook have contributed to my sense of independence which allowed me to enjoy living alone and focusing on my personal interests, which I will reflect on and will continue to connect with my friends and with all those from the administration and faculty who helped me along the way.

 

My hopes are that, after graduation inshaAllah, I will be able to retain the great deal of knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my years here, and keep in contact with all my wonderful friends and colleagues alike.