Syracuse University

Student Spotlight

Ahmed Al-Salem, Information studies and finance, class of 2011, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ahmedalsalem2.jpgWhy did you choose SU?
It was love at first sight. The first time I heard about the University was during my freshman year in high school when a classmate of mine was talking about how she visited her sister at SU. I researched more about the school online and then fell in love with it. From that moment on, I set my sights on Syracuse. So much so, that I didn't even bother to visit the campus. Some might say it was a gamble, but I guess I was lucky because it turned out to be better than I ever imagined.

What has been your most meaningful experience so far?
Being the president of the Muslim Students' Association this year has been a truly meaningful experience. I have progressed in my abilities as a leader and a communicator and I have met many people along the way. I am still in the middle of my presidency, but I have already benefitted and hopefully will continue to do so.

What's the secret of your success at SU?
Time management is the key. Once I learned to juggle many things at once, time became my friend and I ended up accomplishing more.

How have you changed since you've been here?
I came in as a naive freshman with big dreams. I still carry those same dreams but being in Syracuse has advanced my abilities to make these dreams more realistic to achieve. My interactions with fellow students, professors, and faculty has taught me lessons in diversity, education, and friendship which has changed be forever.

What do you plan do after you graduate?
Go to law school or a graduate business school. We will see where the Orange roadleads me.