Halfway to graduation

It is May of 2022. After one year, I have already completed half of my journey as a graduate student at James Madison University. I want to express my appreciation to those who have been making my experience here a great one.

First, it is a huge blessing to be surrounded by fellow graduate students and friends from the U.S. and from around the world. You have helped to make this place to feel like home. You have always been there for me as we went through many new experiences together. Even though we are in different programs, we shared many of the same motives, ambitions and challenges. Thanks to you, I did not feel alone.

Second, the beautiful cohort in the Adult Education and Human Resources Development program. It is amazing how we started as a group of strangers, but now we all know each other. We supported each other through the different classes. It was such an emotion-rich experience when, during our last class of this spring semester, we all cheered each other and said warm goodbyes, wishing each other a great summer ahead.

I was also blessed to meet and be part of the Muslim Students Association, the beautiful group of graduate and undergraduate students who gathered under the same faith, and shared many great moments together. I enjoyed our hangouts, day trips, and especially the great time we had during the month of Ramadan. The semester ended wonderfully when we together participated in our Eid Al Fitr celebration.

Finally, I have to thank the team of the Graduate School Office. I feel beyond blessed to have been working with this group of hard-working people who welcomed me as a team member. My graduate assistantship has been a great experience. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences through these blogs.

I am almost halfway to the moment when I can wear the unique purple graduation robe. I am more than excited about the upcoming semesters and I feel so grateful for the experiences I had during the past year!

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