Meet Maham Khan, a Graduate College Fellow and doctoral student in the English program. Read on to learn more about Maham's favorite places in Kent, what she enjoys doing in her free time and what advice she has for incoming graduate students.
Where is your hometown?
I am from Islamabad, Pakistan.
Why did you choose С»ÆƬÊÓƵ?
I chose KSU mainly because of my academic interests. I wanted to make sure that the English department had faculty whose work aligned with the issues that I was interested in exploring.
What do you like most about Kent? Do you have a favorite local spot or activity?
Walking down the Portage Hike and Bike Trail during early summer mornings is one of my favorite things to do. It is beautiful and peaceful. It is also interesting that the Cuyahoga River was at one point heavily polluted, and frequently on fire, until environmental activists adovacted for its protection in the 60’s. Everytime I’m there, I think of how powerful collective action can be, and it gives me hope during this politically turbulent time.
What is your favorite KSU memory?
As a Muslim, I had a wonderful Ramadan this year. The student associations hosted iftars on campus, and I felt a real sense of community.
What are some differences you've noticed in being a graduate student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergraduate student?
As a graduate student, you have greater autonomy in how you organize your time. It can at times be overwhelming to know how responsible you alone are for your academic progress, but you learn along the way how to manage the pressures of school in a way that suits your particular strengths and weaknesses.
What advice do you have for incoming graduate students?
My advice to incoming students would be to stay involved in activities outside of classes, and show up to events! It can be difficult during graduate school, but intentionally making time for community can really go a long way for your mental health. Also, learing how to budget is crucial.
Fun Fact С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Me:
I have a cat called Bonkers.