About Me
Hi, my name is Zahraa and I am a first-year engineering student and I want to do electrical and computer engineering. I am Arab and lived my whole life in Syria before coming to Purdue. I am kind, caring, and ambitious. I am interested in semiconductors and AI. I am a marketing officer in the Semiconductor Student Alliance (SSA) and part of the Women in Engineering learning community.
Why did you come to Purdue?
Purdue is known for its solid engineering programs and the tons of opportunities in research, hand-on experience and teamwork. Purdue is very friendly with international students too. Unlike the common opinion, I see the Midwest as a peaceful and quiet place to be in and I enjoy that!
Goals and Plans
My short-term goals include securing an internship and research opportunities. In the long term, I plan to complete my graduate studies in semiconductors, hopefully.
Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue
The first thing that comes to mind as my best memory is the time I have spent with my best friends here. Every laugh, cry, and smile with them has been priceless. I am truly grateful to have such a supportive group of friends. My favorite place at Purdue is the Krannert Building because it has quiet spaces to study.
Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops
I took SCLA 110, which was a required course for transitioning into my engineering major as an international student. I would say my experience was positive. This class truly helped me discover who I am and navigate my first semester in college. I learned essential skills that made my academic life easier, such as time management, goal setting, future planning, and study techniques. Additionally, I improved my presentation and public speaking skills. A huge shoutout to Dr. Allen, who made the class so enjoyable and easy to navigate with his unique teaching style and ability to engage students. He created a safe space where we could freely express our ideas and thoughts.
Advice to new Purdue students
I would say that human connection often transcends national identity, so don’t be intimidated about making friends. Remember, there are many other international students just like you—you are not alone. Try to step out of your comfort zone as much as possible, even if it feels scary. Talk to the people sitting next to you in class. Engage with those in your residence hall. Join a club that interests you and build connections with others. Speak up and put yourself out there. At the same time, be selective and wise about your extracurricular activities because the academic workload here is demanding. Don’t compare your English skills or abilities to others—everyone comes from different backgrounds and environments. Additionally, be prepared for the freezing weather and food differences compared to your home country. As the semester progresses and the workload increases, prioritize your mental health and sleep. You are responsible for everything here—from your food choices to your future career. It’s a “sink or swim” mindset, but the good news is that many people are willing to help you swim. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Just put in your best effort, and if things don’t work out, reach out for help. If you’re struggling with homework, go to office hours. If you’re facing mental health challenges or need someone to talk to, reach out to CARES. If you have questions about your status as an international student, visit ISS. There are many resources available to support you. Finally, enjoy the journey and embrace every moment—even the tough ones—because life won’t get easier, and time won’t rewind. And when things get difficult, remember this: you got accepted into Purdue. You earned your seat, and you deserve it. You got this!