Illuminating Alumni: Aamina Ahmed

ACP remains at the heart of all alumni as they partake on their journeys toward success. The Class of 2020’s journeys have been especially unique as they become the first college freshman class to begin college virtually, due to the ongoing pandemic. I spoke to one of our Class of 2020 alumni to find out more about the impact of the pandemic on her college experience and learn a little bit more about her personally. Aamina Ahmed, a current college freshman at Arizona State University, has been gracious enough to help me on this path. Introducing, Aamina Ahmed!

Q: How have you been?

A: Given the current circumstances with everything going on in the world right now, I am grateful to say that I have been doing relatively good! Adjusting to how life is right now with the pandemic and having a drastically different first year in college than I ever could have imagined was unsettling at first, but it has become pretty normal now. 

Q: What has been your favorite part of college so far?

A: Taking classes that fit my interests has been super exciting and fulfilling! It feels as if I am really learning information that is applicable to who I am as a person and for my future. So just having the freedom and ability to sign up for classes that resonate with me in some way has been my favorite part of college so far.

Q: What do you miss most about high school?

A: The people!! I definitely miss the different friendships within high school, with classmates and teammates, as well as the really nurturing relationships with teachers and the faculty members. Maybe I have come to especially miss these relationships from high school because it is a little challenging to meet and interact with new people during this pandemic, but regardless of the situation, I definitely miss aspects of the ACP family. 

Q: What advice do you have for upcoming college freshmen?

A: College allows for a fresh start, so it’s the perfect time to make any changes you want to your life that you were otherwise afraid to pursue. Step out of your comfort zone and interact with your professors and classmates (this is still possible to some extent through Zoom calls)! The college experience can only become better as you seek out the things that interest and excite you without being afraid.

Q: What are you currently majoring in? What’s your favorite aspect about your major?

A: I am majoring in Medical Microbiology, and following a pre-med track. Having this major in the current climate of a pandemic has been especially insightful. In many of my classes that align with my major, I have had amazing discussions about the science behind the virus, as well as the societal/political response to the virus. So it has been great to be able to link my studies within my major to the real world!

Q: What are you most excited for post-COVID?

A: Meeting new people!! A big part of enjoying education is being able to meet new people and build friendships, whether it’s within classes, clubs, at school events, etc. I cannot wait for the day that I can really participate in the college experience and meet new people along the way.

Q: Who’s your favorite book character and why?

A: This is such a difficult question because there are so many book characters out there that I adore. But if you’re going to make me go through this and pick just one of my favorites, it would have to be Laia from An Ember in the Ashes. Laia is a powerful woman of color, so I loved her from the get go with the representation her character brings about. But I also admire her ability to cope with her trauma, and despite the troubles she continues to face at the hands of others, she remains a compassionate and selfless character who risks her own life repeatedly for the people she cares about. Her strength and personal growth is inspirational and relatable, and makes her my favorite book character. Definitely check out An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir!

I would like to thank Aamina for taking time out of her day to tell me a little bit about her college experience and provide some advice for the Class of 2021. I wish you luck on your journey and can’t wait to see how you will continue to make ACP proud. As always Knights, don’t forget to strive for the impossible and be extraordinary!