What is your involvement on campus?
I served as President of the Middle East Film Club my sophomore and junior years. I am a member of the United Muslim Relief chapter at Mason. As a part of that organization I traveled to Mexico and served in an orphanage. I am also involved in the Society of Professional Journalists and I am part of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
What is your favorite undergraduate course at Mason?
I would be hard to name just one class. There have been so many unique and unexpectedly enjoyable classes thus far. My favorite class this current semester is Communication 361-Online Journalism. The work in this course most closely aligns with my career goals so it provides fantastic practical experience.
Can you tell me about your undergraduate internship experience?
I completed internships all four years of my college career. I interned at WTOP News in DC. That experience provided me the opportunity to write over 35 articles for their website. I felt like one of the journalists on the team and not just a college intern. It allowed me to apply everything I learned in my Journalism classes on the job. This past summer I interned with Gannett/USA Today and I was exposed to the business side of the company. That internship opened up the door for me to write for USA Today College.
What are your career goals after graduating from Mason?
I’ve been accepted into two separate journalism graduate programs in the DC area. I hope to work in the industry while completing my degree. On the side I maintain and online blog and website which I hope to continue to develop. The website, Layali Webzine, is a free online magazine for young American Muslim women. I came up with the idea in one of my classes during my sophomore year. I feel this online publication fills a void in the lifestyle magazine genre.
What advice do you have for new Mason students?
Get involved as early as possible because you can spread your experiences out across your entire college career instead of trying to cram them all into one semester or year. Also reflect on where you want to go in life and how you can get there. The sooner you figure that out, the better! Don’t wait on pursuing your passions, act on them early.
What would you do with an hour of free time away from classes?
I would try and explore a new location I never visited before in my life. I’m looking for the next great small town coffee shop.
What celebrity would you like to have dinner with at some point?
Angeline Jolie would have a great deal to share regarding her humanitarian involvement and all of her adventures as an actress.