Tell us what brought you to UNT and what you do here.:
I was working at Medical City Denton in 2019 when I came across this exciting opportunity at UNT. Having no prior experience in international education, I applied for my current position anticipating it would be a challenge. Almost 2 years later, I am still learning something new each day. As the Student and Program Assistant for International Student and Scholar Services, I have several roles that I navigate (intake advisor/office manager/front desk supervisor). Each of these roles comes with a list of responsibilities, including providing front line immigration advising to our international students, supervising a team of student assistants, and streamlining office processes to improve efficiency.
What do you enjoy most about working at UNT?
The most fulfilling part of my job has to be the connections I have made while working at UNT. International Affairs is full of individuals with unique backgrounds, each of whom I have had the privilege of getting to know. Our international student body, which is made up of over 3,000 students, is also just as diverse. On a daily basis, I get to interact with dozens of our students and am touched by their determination to succeed.
What are your favorite hobbies?
After my faith, my family is the most important part of my life. Much of my downtime is spent with them, and like many Pakistani families, we all love food! Thankfully, my family and coworkers alike are willing to enjoy my experiments in the kitchen, as baking and cooking are some of my favorite pastimes.
What is one life experience you have had that no one at work knows about?
My junior year of undergrad, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Italy for two weeks over the summer. Some of the most surreal experiences of my life took place on that trip. I attended mass at the Vatican, walked through the ruins of Pompeii, and explored the streets of Florence. Incidentally, my 19th birthday also took place during that trip. Even though I had not mentioned it to my classmates, I woke up the morning of to find happy birthday signs all over my room. The rest of the day was spent celebrating with my favorite activities and like any other group of college students, everyone made sure to sing happy birthday to me as loud as they could while we waited in line for a museum.
Where did you grow up and where else have you lived?
My family is originally from Karachi, Pakistan, but I grew up in the United States. I have spent my childhood in Virginia and completed my schooling in Tennessee, before moving here to Texas a few years ago.