What I love about the UA: “The Environment for Education”

Ibrahima Sall is at the University of Arizona as a Ph.D. student studying Arid Lands Resource Sciences. Before his Ph.D. he was at the UA getting his Master’s in Agricultural Economics so he knows all the tricks and tips for life at the UA.

What is your favorite thing about Tucson?

As a grad student, my favorite thing about Tucson is the quietness. It allows for the possibility to focus on studies. The weather is also close to my home country’s weather. It’s nice to not have to deal with the snow!

Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus?

I used to hang out on the fifth floor of the main library when I was getting my master’s in Agricultural Economics here. With the view of the UA Mall and the mountains, I would just sit there and study. Usually, when I am doing some analysis, I don’t need to go out in order to work, but when I’m trying to write I need to go to a quiet place and focus. The library is good for that.  

What has surprised you the most about being here?

It might be weird, but I knew the U.S from watching TV. And when you watch basketball you just see tall people, so that was one of the things that surprised me! I’m short, okay? I’m not that tall, so I was thinking I am just going to be looking up to people constantly. And when I arrived here I said, “Oh, am I in the U.S. or am I in another country?” So that was surprising.

Where do you see yourself after graduating from the UA?

I am focused on attaining new skills and trying to improve my current ones. I am part of the Graduate Interdisciplinary Program which has allowed me to diversify my studies. It’s a nice program if you don’t know which path to take. It allows you to branch out and add to your main area of study. In the long run, this will allow me to be employed by many different types of companies in many different areas, so my options are open for me once I graduate.

How has your time here at the UA impacted your life?

A lot has changed! My open-mindedness, definitely. When I came to the UA I didn’t encounter racism or anything like it. It also provided an opportunity to learn from and learn how to accept others. I’ve definitely learned that at the UA.