Hometown: Madison, MS
Major: Chemistry
Academic interests: I was so unsure about what major I would be studying when I arrived at Rhodes that it took me all of my freshman and sophomore years to decide. I was inspired by my late grandfather, a professor of chemistry in Pakistan, and Dr. Larryn Peterson to pursue my degree in chemistry. I am so grateful to both of them for helping me make that choice. I have loved being a part of the chemistry program during my time at Rhodes, and I look forward to my future in medical school knowing that I have been well prepared by the faculty of the department.
Extracurricular activities: Vice President of Honor Council, Vice President of ODK, Vice President of Muslim Student Association, Resident Assistant in Parkway Hall, Child Life Volunteer at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Activities Coordinator for Lynx Club Special Olympics, Member of ACS, GSE, DEI, and Mortar Board
Tell the story of how you got to Rhodes College.
The high school I went to in Mississippi, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, actually has a great relationship with Rhodes, so that is how I first heard about the college. After having been at that small private school, I had actually planned for the longest time to attend a bigger college. My sights were set on big universities with thousands of students, but when I visited Rhodes I realized that I would miss the community aspects of a smaller school too much. This included having smaller class sizes and the ability to get to know professors on a personal level outside of class. It also did not hurt that Rhodes was an easy three hour drive away from home.
How have you changed since beginning your studies at Rhodes?
I came to Rhodes with a very quiet and shy personality. I liked to stay in my room for the most part and was not very outspoken. Although I still remain quiet and enjoy my alone time, Rhodes has taught me how to voice my opinion and how to work better as part of a team. It really helped to become a part of so many leadership activities on campus. By doing so, Rhodes gave me a chance to come out of my shell and establish my voice. I’ve learned the importance of reaching out to fellow peers, professors, and other resources when I need help or when I need to address a concern.
You’ve been involved with the Special Olympics Lynx Club on campus for four years. How has working with the special needs community impacted your time at Rhodes?
My time with Special Olympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. I was introduced to Lynx Club during the second semester of my freshman year, and I have been a part of it ever since. I look forward to the Thursday nights that we have with the athletes every week. Through my work with the club, I have gained so much respect for the Greater Memphis Special Olympics organization, as well as the fellow students I work with every week to make Lynx Club a success. I have had the privilege to serve as the activities coordinator over this past year, and it has been such a rewarding experience. Rhodes and Memphis have both done so much to help me grow as a person, and this club gives me a chance to give something back, as well as a chance to establish relationships with both amazing Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
In addition to balancing a pre-med track, your volunteer work, and your role as an RA, you’ve also worked with Muslim Student Association (MSA). Can you talk about that experience, and interfaith at Rhodes?
Rhodes has such a diverse campus, and it attracts students with open minds. This has allowed MSA to establish its goal of educating the student body about the religion of Islam and remove some of the negative connotations that are associated with the religion in the media today. We also try to bring a piece of some of the fun cultural aspects of many Muslim countries to Rhodes for students to experience. All in all, Rhodes has always been very receptive to the events we have set up, and we are thankful to the student body for that receptiveness. In addition, the Rhodes administration has always made the campus a welcoming place for Muslim students. We actually have our own prayer room in the Briggs Student Center that we utilize regularly for evening prayer. We have also started having a student-led Friday prayer every other week to let Muslim students who aren’t able to rush to the Mosque in between classes on Friday have a chance to pray. None of this would be possible without the administration at Rhodes being so open and willing to work with us.
What are your plans for next year?
I will be headed to medical school!