Country of Origin
Bangladesh
ProgramMS in Fashion Merchandising; MS in Information System
What do you like most about CMU?
That's a tough question! An easier question to answer would be "what do you do not like about CMU" because I love everything! The thing I like most about CMU, aside from the excellent academic program, is the campus. I love to study by the huge windows in the
library that is just beside
Fabiano Garden view. I especially like taking walks in the fall since the campus is filled with trees and plants. Here at Central, every single staff and faculty memeber is so friendly and down to earth that they would stand by you whenever you need them. CMU has around 225,000+ alumni around the world and soon I will be one of them! I will definitely miss this little city Mount Pleasant and I will have that Chippewa spirit in my heart forever!
Did you face any culture shock (Academic, Personal, etc.) when you arrived in CMU or in the United States?
Yes, I experienced culture shock. It was not an easy transition at all. I came from my country where I was constantly surrounded by my family and seeing my friends every day to being all alone in an apartment on a different continent where I didn't know anyone! Even the food is very different. I had to learn how to adapt to all of these changes. However, it was a great learning experience as well.
What resources did you use here on campus to help overcome the challenges you mentioned above?
Tell us about any hobbies or activities you enjoy.
There is a lot to do here on CMU ! Since I am a part of this community and this community has already given me a lot. Therefore, whenever I have a chance, I love to volunteer and help people whenever I can. So far, I have done this by holding leadership positions in different students organizations like
ISO,
SAP user group, BSA, and many more. In terms of activities, I love to play volleyball, computer games, UNO and to take a walk to all the beautiful parks nearby.
What do you miss most about your home country?
I'm a very social person, so I can't live without my friends! Let me share a quick story: when I was in 3rd grade for some reason my papa asked me to write the names of my close friends. You know what I did? I gave him back the whole notebook with more than 200 names! It was literally the whole class! Back home, I miss my family gatherings, hanging out with friends, the smell of fresh food cooked by the best chef in the world (my mom), eating super spicy street foods with my friends, the great green view with a slightly foggy sky, touching the clouds at 2300 feet above sea level, the world's longest sea beach of the world (Cox's Bazar), and much more! I miss my home!
What advice would you give to International Students just arriving to CMU?
The best way of overcoming culture shock is to adapt to the new culture and to understand the history and reasons why these cultural differences exist. Look at it as a learning experience to gain a new perspective and to develop a better understanding of that other culture. You just might see things in a whole new way and find it easier to adjust and deal with these differences. It’s these differences that make travel so interesting. I would highly recommend everyone to be involved in students organizations other than maintaining high academic performance. Do not hesitate to seek all the resources made available by CMU. The years fly by very fast in this beautiful campus of CMU. Enjoy every single day of it!
Fun Facts about Mominul
Likes taking unplanned trips to nearby towns and cities
Enjoys making other people smile (as reported by one of Mominul's friends!)
Born on Christmas day
Afraid of horror movies
On his bucket list: bungee jumping!
Interview conducted by Habeebat Diaw, graduate assistant with the Office of International Affairs, Ronan 330.