91�ֿ�

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Pooyan Mirjalili is currently a junior biology pre-med major at 91�ֿ�. He was 19 when he first enrolled at 91�ֿ� and he says his choice to come here was an easy one. When first searching for schools, he looked to his friends and family for suggestions. In Tehran, he had several acquaintances who had previously studied at 91�ֿ� and each had nothing but great things to say about the university. Along with those recommendations, Pooyan was also please to learn that 91�ֿ� tuition also fit within his budget. But his final decision to attend 91�ֿ� was based on the positive relationships 91�ֿ� forges with its international students.

When Pooyan first stepped onto campus, he immediately noticed how friendly and welcoming the people were – other students, as well as faculty and staff. 91�ֿ�'s large, diverse campus appealed to him greatly. He recalls how enthusiastic his academic advisors were to help him adjust to life not only at 91�ֿ�, but in the United States as well. Pooyan appreciates their help in scheduling classes to guarantee a timely graduation and assisting him to find housing on campus. He found the staff of the Office of Global Education especially helpful with support. "They answered any questions I had during my first few semesters here," Pooyan recalls. "I truly appreciate all the help and assistance I received." Pooyan has stayed in contact with the Office of Global Education, where he eventually obtained a student worker position helping the office with an assortment of projects and duties.

During his time at 91�ֿ�, Pooyan has become increasingly involved in numerous organizations and clubs across campus. Initially, though, he was not always so active. "When I first came to 91�ֿ�, I was extremely shy," he laughs. "The first semester, I did not join any organizations at all, but by my second semester, I felt confident enough to become more involved on campus." Over time, he joined UNICEF KSU, American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the Biology Club and was recently elected senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the Undergraduate Student Government. In addition, he maintains a full schedule of classes, participates in off-campus research and volunteers in his free time.

91�ֿ� has greatly enhanced Pooyan’s leadership skills. One of his favorite classes was the Peer Leadership Course in which he was enrolled last year. "It helped me with my public speaking and definitely helped me win my election to student senator," he says. "I also learned skills that would prepare me for the future." Eventually, Pooyan wants to attend medical school after he completes his undergraduate degree, and he believes the support he has received throughout his time at 91�ֿ� will enable him to pursue that goal.

Pooyan's most satisfying achievement was winning the Undergraduate Student Government election. He also loves that he was able to join clubs with his many friends from Iran who also attended 91�ֿ�, as well as making many new friends across campus. He understands how difficult it is for international students to move to another country and that it takes time to adjust, so he advises other international students to "get involved" and suggests that 91�ֿ� can help them do that.

“91�ֿ� makes me feel welcome here, and 91�ֿ� is my second home.”