What is your background?: I’m Sudanese. I was born in Egypt, raised in Sudan, and moved to the United States in October 2023 (just marked two years this month!). I’m the second oldest of four; my older sister Hala is two years older than me, my younger brother Ali is a senior in high school, and our youngest, Reel, is in elementary school. I graduated from HEMS in Sudan, where I earned the Cambridge IGCSE degree, which is very different from the high school system here in the U.S.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: After completing high school back home, I began studying at the University of Khartoum, Sudan’s top university. Before my first semester finals, war broke out, and my family and I had to flee. We spent six months in Egypt before moving to the US. Because the education system here is so different, it would have been tough to start at a four-year college right away. I came to Kirkwood planning to take just a few credits then transfer, but it turned out to be so much more. The smaller classes and supportive professors helped me adjust to the new country, and I quickly got involved in student life, from campus clubs to working with Student Services. Kirkwood became my home and the foundation for my future in civil engineering. While I’m excited to transfer, it’s bittersweet because I’ll truly miss the people and community that shaped me here.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I’m currently studying Liberal Arts to earn my associate degree and transfer toward a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I’ve always been passionate about building and designing things that make people’s lives better, and civil engineering allows me to do exactly that. What excites me most about this field is how it’s all around us, from the roofs above our heads to the roads we drive on and even the clean water systems we rely on every day. It really motivates me knowing that civil engineers design the places we live and connect in, that’s exactly the kind of impact I want to make by helping build safer and more sustainable communities.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I’m involved in quite a few things on campus; STEM Club President, LSAMP member, Student Leadership Council, Student Ambassador, and I also work with Student Services. So yeah… I’m everywhere! I really love being part of Kirkwood and want to make the most of my time here by experiencing everything, from being a club leader to being a student employee. Each role gives me a different perspective on campus life and helps me grow both personally and professionally.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: I’m a summer Peace Camp teacher and a full-time sister to three lovely siblings—I take my baby sister swimming, FaceTime my dad every few hours, and honestly, sleep any time I get outside of that.
What do you do for fun?: I enjoy photography and ice skating. I’m also a very family-oriented person, I love spending time with my family and friends, it’s what makes me happiest.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: Honestly, I can make a hundred plans, but God’s plan is always the best one. I hope to be working as a civil/structural engineer by then, but more than anything, I just want to be wiser, happier, and grateful wherever I end up–and I’m excited to see where that is.