Academic Opportunities

Transcript

Let’s meet Shalom, a mechanical engineering student from Zimbabwe. By getting involved in clubs, earning an internship, joining the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and diving into research, she’ll show us how Idaho students mix academic opportunity and vibrant student groups into one amazing college experience. All yours, Shalom.

– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. When I was applying to Universities, I was looking at countries like New Zealand, Canada, and the Netherlands. America never crossed my radar. This changed when I met a recruiter from the University of Idaho. When he talked to me, it’s as if he already knew what I was looking for in a university, a small community, and a great support system. I’ve enjoyed the academic opportunities that the school offers. Most I learned about through an event at the beginning of the fourth semester called Palousafest. This is by far one of my favorite events on campus. I joined clubs like National Society of Black Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Society of Women Engineers. I was the vice president of a student chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers in my sophomore year. In my second semester, I joined Alpha Gamma Delta to make connections. I then became the vice president of Academic Excellence. I love the student to teacher ratio on campus, and I’m able to make meaningful connections with my professors. I make it a habit to visit my professors at least once a week and they’re always happy to help. Last summer I participated in undergraduate research where I evaluated critique properties in aluminum sheet metal. After completing my junior year, I completed an internship at Applied Materials in Austin, Texas as a manufacturing engineer. When I came here, I never thought my life would turn out like this. Besides thriving in my studies, I have made meaningful connections with people on campus. I am the sweetheart of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and I love my fraternity brothers. The University of Idaho has definitely become a home away from home. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Shalom. You’re telling me that academic opportunities aren’t just found in classes, but in clubs, leadership, research and internships too. It’s awesome that the U of I hosts the street fair, Palousafest that got you all started. Thanks for sharing your story.