Ansha Khan

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice聽would you give to students who haven鈥檛 yet found their place on campus?
The way I got involved was I just quite literally showed up to different club meetings. I started getting involved in NSSLHA when I heard students in class talking about going to the meetings. I got involved in MSA because I am passionate about it. I did go to other club meetings but they just weren’t for me and that’s okay.聽

My best recommendation would be to check through all of the clubs/ organizations available on campus and choose which ones pique your interest. These clubs may relate to your major, your passions, or could be random and you found them curious. Just make it apparent to go to the meeting and try it out. I took a defense class my freshman year and it was so much fun. Choose different interests and step out of your comfort zone.

How do you think you鈥檝e changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Without a doubt, my trust in myself and my self-confidence have grown tremendously. I used to believe that I wouldn’t succeed, that everything would fail, that I wouldn’t be able to do it, etc., when I initially started in my leadership role. But as time went on I started to change and realize my abilities and skills. My e-board definitely helped influence this change by lifting me up and continuously encouraging me to keep going.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The most important thing I’ve learned about leadership is that asking questions is better than assuming. Help is always there if you need it. Another big lesson I learned was to have faith in myself and be proud of my accomplishments.聽

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My first Ramadan Iftar Dinner was the highlight of my time at WSU at this point. I genuinely wouldn’t have known my best friends the way I do now if it weren’t for that night, when I first met and grew close to them. That night held an abundance of memories as we, a Muslim community, got to come together like this in faith.聽

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Not giving up is the most important piece of advice I would tell students who are just starting to consider their leadership role. I know it sounds cliche, but if you want to be a leader or it’s who you are, don’t give up on it. There will be moments when you feel overburdened but don鈥檛 shy away from asking for help, it will always be there. One step at a time is the best approach.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to continue my education here at xxxx色情片 State and get into the 4+1 Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program this upcoming April. After that, I plan to take my board examinations and obtain clinical certification in order to work as a registered speech-language pathologist.聽

Members of MSA at their annual Iftar dinner.

The post Student Spotlight | Ansha Khan appeared first on Campus Life.

Club Name: Muslim Student Association
Mission: The purpose of this organization is to create a safe space that allows Muslim students to embrace their identity and come together to support each other and for other student body to learn about the Muslim community. Our goals include promoting unity and conducting social, cultural, and religious activities in order to educate others.
Club Meeting Time: Biweekly, time and day TBD
Contact information/Social Media: IG: email msa@worcester.edu

Why should students get involved with your organization?
Students should get involved with MSA to learn a little bit about their Muslim peers on campus. Our programs and events are educational and fun, mainly focused on establishing a sense of unity within our members.

What types of events and/or programs do you do throughout the year?
In the past we have held calligraphy/paint nights, jeopardy games, and a henna night fundraiser with a bake sale aspect. During Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting, we held an Iftaar on campus open to all students, which is a dinner during which Muslims break their fasts. In the upcoming semester, we hope to participate in regular volunteering around the local community.

What has been one of the biggest successes of this organization?
Aside from starting the club and recruiting members, one of our most successful events was our Henna Night Fundraiser, which was our first fundraiser as a club. Many of our members participated in preparing for and setting up the event, and we also had many others show up to get their henna done and buy some baked goods. Some students said they had specifically marked the day in their calendar for this event, which was amazing to hear.

What do you think your organization brings to the students at xxxx色情片 State?
Our platform is mainly based on providing a sense of community for Muslim students at WSU and for other students who want to learn about Islam or connect with people of different backgrounds. We advocate for the Muslim body on campus and arrange for prayer rooms. We also hold fun team-building activities and participate in community service.

How can interested students join your organization?
Anyone interested in joining our organization can email us or DM us on Instagram. They are welcome to reach out to any of the board members as well.

How can the campus community learn more about your programs and events?
To learn more about our programs and events, look out for flyers around campus, follow our Instagram page, and/or ask to join our email list.

MSA members at the 2022 Iftaar dinner.

The post Club Highlight | Muslim Student Association appeared first on Campus Life.