Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights is a social media campaign created by the Office of International Student Affairs and the Global Village to highlight the experiences and achievements of international students attending Kent State University! International students, who are interested in participating, answer some questions (home country, fun fact about yourself, etc.) so that we can create a Student Spotlight profile based upon the answers provided! Once your Student Spotlight profile is created, it will be shared on the Global Village social media pages, the International Student Council social media pages, and on this page! If you are are an international student attending Kent State University, and you are interested in being highlighted, please click the button below to complete our Student Spotlights questionnaire.
Student Spotlights Questionnaire
If you encounter any problems with the Google form, please contact isa@kent.edu.
Student Spotlight Profiles
Tahira Shaheen
Home Country: Pakistan
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Tahira shares that Pakistan is fourth in the world for having the smartest people within their country. Additionally, she expressed that Pakistan "gives honourable rights to the women of the country."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: Biotechnology
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Tahira said that, "Being on the beautiful campus" and the "safe environment and friendly staff" are all parts of studying at Kent State that she likes.
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Tahira's favorite memory from her time in the United States "was visiting New York City" with her international friends.
Fun Fact about Tahira: Tahira explained that her favorite job is doing henna art for people in her home country as well as in the US!
What is your favorite event that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Tahira says, "My favorite event was Res Airways Pakistan when I got a chance to represent my country."
Khushali Shah
Home Country: India
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Khushali shares that India has street vendors.
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: Digital Media Production
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Khushali said her favorite part about studying at Kent State is that, "The University is diverse and I got to meet new people from different countries."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Khushali expressed that her favorite memory/experience from her time in the United States was, "going to university." She also shared that she loved Kent State's campus.
Fun Fact about Khushali: A fun fact about Khushali is that she loves to meet new people from different cultures despite being shy. Additionally, she shared, "I like to talk a lot and I cook amazing as per my taste."
What is your favorite event that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Khushali expressed that her favorite event hosted by OISA and the Global Village is Global Conversation Hour.
Sanskruti Desai
Home Country: India
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Sanskruti said that something not many people know about India is that Indian people hold on to their beliefs for years. Additionally, she says, "Indians love to have Pakoras (stuffed with veggies like onions) on rainy days or people love to sleep on terrace[s] during Summer for natural air."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University: Marketing and Entrepreneurship
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Sanskruti shared that her favorite part of studying at Kent State is, "working as a Global Ambassador and connecting with professors."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Sanskruti said that her favorite memory/experience is, "having friends from different countries." She also shared that she has gotten to know their cultures too!
Fun Fact about Sanskruti: Sanskruti shared, "I love to write about my opinions and show my point of view to the world through WordPress." In addition to her love of writing she shared that she loves to learn about other cultures and tell people about the cultural norms as well as beliefs of India. Lastly, Sanskruti said, "I really want to have a Gorilla as my pet. I find them really cute."
What is your favorite event that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Sanskruti's favorite event hosted through OISA and the Global Village was the Valentine's Day event back in 2020!
Raghad Bakhsh
Home Country: Saudi Arabia
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Raghad explained that something that not everyone knows about her home country of Saudi Arabia is that "It's so beautiful."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: ESL
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Raghad's favorite part about studying at Kent State is "the events."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Raghad's favorite experience from her time in the United States is when she travelled to Florida.
Fun Fact about Raghad: A fun fact about Raghad is that she can sing and dance!
What is your favorite event that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Raghad explains that her favorite events were the International Friendship Socials and the Valentine's Day event from 2020!
Omar Alabdulhai
Home Country: Saudi Arabia
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Omar shared that something not many people know about his home country is that they eat their meals on the floor.
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: Computer Science (Software Engineering)
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Omar's favorite part about studying at Kent State is the "friendly atmosphere."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Omar's favorite memory from his time in the United States is the International Cook-Off.
Fun fact about Omar: He has a cooking Youtube channel under the name "Omaraziz9582."
What is your favorite event that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Omar's favorite event that he has attended was the International Cook-Off!
Christabel Akhigbe
Home Country: Nigeria
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: "The Eagle is the national animal of Nigeria. It symbolizes our strength. Interestingly, the national football team is called 'The Super Eagles.' Football (the kind Americans call 'soccer') is the most popular sport in Nigeria- some Nigerians say it is our national sport. My dad says they are called 'The Super Eagles' because they fight with the strength of the country behind them!!!"
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: Economics
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Christabel shared that 'The campus itself is definitely one of the best things about Kent State. It is centralized and really easy to navigate- which is especially helpful when the weather is not so good. Almost every part of the campus is connected to another; I am constantly discovering new paths between buildings and shorter ways to my classes. The campus beautifully combines modern structures with a plethora of colorful gardens and bright green trees; more often than not you can spot lovely little squirrels frolicking in these gardens. The mere sight of these tiny creatures going about their day is enough to put a smile on anyone's face."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: "I have so many good memories" but her favorite memory, "...would have to be playing bingo in the Student Center Ballroom! I could feel the excitement and intensity in the room as everyone waited for the host to call the next number; listening attentively, ready to cross out that number the second it was called. In fact, all the students cheerfully congratulated the winners each time they were announced despite not having won anything themselves. For us, playing the game and having fun was just as satisfying as any gift we could have received."
Fun fact about Christabel: "I can solve a Rubik's Cube... but not very quickly."
What is your favorite even that you attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: "Res Airways is an amazing opportunity to learn about so many different cultures in different countries" which is why it is her favorite Global Village event. "Besides being educative and informational, it is hosted by fellow students which always makes it fun, engaging, and interesting. I try to attend as many of them as possible."
Sajad Shiekh
Home Country: India
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Sajad explained that "there are a lot of good things in India to talk about" such as "its spicy cuisines; Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders signifying the bond of love between Mughal emperor Sha Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal; its diverse traditions and cultures; and many numbers of festivals."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University: Ph.D. program in physics
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Sajad shared that he is in his Ph.D. program and is "investigating the interaction between DNA and different proteins with a single molecule microscopic method." He says, "DNA is such an interesting and intriguing molecule to study," and "new technologies are based on it." Lastly, he shared that, "It's a challenging endeavor" that he enjoys, and he spends most of his time working on it.
What is your favorite memory/experiences from your time in the United States?: Sajad expressed that coming from a country with 1.3 billion people, he was used to seeing people and traffic everywhere. When he arrived in the USA, he was surprised at how calm the atmosphere was. Sajad expressed that "it felt like time had stopped as soon as I set foot on Earth." Finally, Sajad shared that when he came to Kent and met new people, he "felt so overwhelmed and encouraged. The feel was like home. The diversity and cross-community empathy have been an overwhelming experience. This is actually a land of opportunities."
Fun fact about Sajad: Sajad explains that he is an introverted person, but when he gets along and feels comfortable with other people, he has a lot of fun! He also explains that he sometimes forgets to eat because he is so interested in the work that he is doing in the moment.
Favorite event attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council: Sajad shared that Homecoming International Celebration was "a great experience!"
Nashrah Ahmad
Home Country: India
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Nashrah explains that cows are worshipped in her home country of India.
Major/Program of study at Kent State University: Biomedical Science
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Nashrah says that her favorite part about studying at Kent State University is "its welcoming nature towards international students."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Some of Nashrah's favorite experiences from her time in the United States include visiting Cedar Point and Las Vegas!
Other facts about Nashrah: "I can walk slower than a snail and faster than an ostrich." She also enjoyed her trip to Niagara Falls!
Modupe E Oluwarohunbi
Home Country: Nigeria
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Modupe explains that the country of Nigeria "...is beautiful and civilized."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University: Biology Pre-Med
Favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Modupe says that she enjoys meeting new people who are from different cultures!
Favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Modupe explained that in her home country of Nigeria, they do not have natural disasters, so experiencing a tornado emergency last Spring was a unique experience for her.
Fun Fact about Modupe: "I am a very good listener and can be very funny."
Favorite event attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council?: Modupe says that her favorite events are Global Conversation Hours which are put on by OISA and the Global Village!
Muhammad Hassan Bin Afzal
Home Country: Bangladesh
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: Muhammad explains that "...as a democratic country, Bangladesh has the longest female-led ruling government in the world in the last fifty years." He says, "I strongly believe that this is a major influencing factor to ensure women's rights to education, job sectors, and political participation in my country."
Major/Program of study at Kent State University: Political Science
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Muhammad says, "I love and appreciate our Kent State Library. Our library reminds me of openness, inclusivity, and collective empowerment. I just feel better and included every time I go to the library for homework, tutoring, and team assignments." He also loves that Kent State students can attend events at the MACC free of charge! "I love MACC games and events."
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Muhammad has volunteered for the Philabundance Organization since 2017. He explains that they repurpose good food that would likely go to waste and provide it to community members in need. Muhammad explains, "I volunteer each time I go to Philadelphia to visit my family. I am so humbled and honored to have this meaningful opportunity in my life to serve and contribute to our local community." He is grateful to have this experience!
Fun Fact about Muhammad: "I love cooking, traveling, and volunteering. Last Summer, I was awarded a full travel grant to participate in the Student Energy Summit 2019 at Imperial College London. I also volunteered over there for a local church and visited the British city of Kent for a study tour. I genuinely enjoyed touring the gardens full of large fruit trees. Kent is also known as the "Garden of England.""
Favorite event attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council: Muhammad says that his favorite events included Global Conversation Hour and the International Friendship Socials!
Shabnam Moini Chaghervand
Home Country: Iran
What is something that not many people know about your home country?: "Persian food is the best!"
Major/Program of study at Kent State University?: Curriculum and Instruction
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Shabnam says that her favorite parts of studying at Kent State are the "supportive faculty" and the "friendly atmosphere!"
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Shabnam explained that she has numerous good memories from her time in the United States, but her favorite is that she loves how people make her "feel at home."
Fun Fact about Shabnam: "I love singing!"
Favorite event attended through the OISA/Global Village/International Student Council: Shabnam's favorite events were the Game Nights hosted by OISA and the Global Village!
Kalp Champaneri
Home Country: India
What is something that not many people know about your home country? Kalp explains that, "India is a very harmonious country" and that everyone lives together in a "...cyclic world full of animals, people, surroundings, and families." India also has many religions, as many as 40 languages, and a wide range of beliefs that are all celebrated. Kalp describes celebration as a time where "you have everybody coming together." Lastly, Kalp says that "one of the most important strengths of India and its culture heritage is the unity in diversity." He expresses that this is evident amongst all the different languages and religions!
Major/program of study at Kent State University: Kalp is studying to receive a dual degree in Architecture and Construction Management
What is your favorite part of studying at Kent State University?: Architecture Library
What is your favorite memory/experience from your time in the United States?: Kalp's favorite experience from his time in the United States was "visiting the lower Antelope Canyon." He says that it was a "breathtaking experience!"
Fun Fact about Kalp: He can touch his nose with his tongue! Kalp also enjoys photography and watching the sunsets from his residence hall.
Favorite event attended through OISA/Global Village/International Student Council: Kalp's favorite event was the Homecoming International Celebration.