What I love about the UA: “Diversity, Nature, and Friendliness
Our latest International Student Spotlight features Hadiqa Maqsood, a Biosystems Engineering Ph.D. candidate. Read on to learn about her experience as a UA grad student.
What is your favorite thing about Tucson?
The cactus! This is the first time I’ve seen cacti and being able to hike around and take in the landscape is amazing. The desert has a charm that is particular to Tucson.
What is your favorite place to hang out on campus?
My friend and I usually get a smoothie from Scoop and then we watch the UA Mall. Sitting under the trees in the shade is my favorite way to relax on campus. For studying, I like the libraries. They are so nice and a good place to collaborate with others.
What has surprised you most about being here?
I like the ambiance—specifically in terms of the people. As an international student, before arriving there is a lot of ambiguity about how you will be welcomed. How nice everyone in Tucson is was definitely a welcome surprise.
Where do you see yourself after graduating from the UA?
After studying here, I will actually be settling in Germany for a while. My fiancé is there so the plan is to join him.
How has your time here at the UA impacted the way you see the world?
Not only has the UA impacted the way I see the world, but it has also impacted the way I see myself. There were things I got to learn about my own personality that I didn’t know before. My time here has allowed me to get involved in so many ways. For example, I run a blog for international students that allows me to meet so many interesting people.
It has also taught me far more than just my area of study. I have been so inspired to initiate my goal of contributing to making the world a better place. I’ve already started collaborating with a university back home, which has allowed me to provide Pakistan with useful information. This will, hopefully, help link these two countries economically.