Meet Fabulous Freshman, Amal Ahmed. This new Pirate is an International Studies Major from Queens, New York. She’s a wonderful spirit and is loving HU already! We chatted to see how shes adjusting to her new Home by the Sea.
HC: What was your first week like?
Amal: It was interesting. It wasn’t as overbearing and scary as I thought it would be. But it’s a lot of processing information and organizing your schedule. It’s just a lot of adjusting. But I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.
HC: Why did you choose Hampton?
Amal: Funny story actually! Hampton was not even on my radar. It wasn’t in my mind whatsoever. I don’t think I ever heard of Hampton besides hearing about it from my youth pastor at church. Basically, she was the one that was always rooting for Hampton. She’s a very proud alumnus and said “You should just apply! You might like it!” Meanwhile, I’m aiming for NYU, Yale, Georgetown, most of the Ivy Leagues because that’s where my major is very prevalent. So I applied for all of them but didn’t get into most because they’re so competitive. And actually, Hampton was my first acceptance letter. My mom was like “that has to be a sign!” We visited the school afterwards and I loved it. I was like “wow this campus is so nice.” And everyone was so nice. I just felt like it was the right fit.
HC: What is your favorite part about campus so far?
Amal: That’s a very tough question. I personally like Ogden. I don’t know why but I just like dressing up and feeling so fancy and being formally introduced to the Hampton culture. Back home, there’s not really a strong African American history because everyone is so diverse. So just to be around that specifically is new but I like it.
HC: What are two goals you have for this semester?
Amal: The first one is to get nothing less than a 3.3 GPA. And the second is to have fun but at the same time to lay low. Be very observant. Not be a hermit. My goal is to get to know as many people as I can but still focus on me and do me.
What were you most looking forward to about HU before coming?
Amal: Just growing. Having life changing experiences and growing as a person. Growing more towards success. In NY, I couldn’t really see my self past high school, which is kind of weird to say. But now that I’m here and I’ve seen sophomores, juniors and seniors filling big shoes, I can. Basically, propelling myself as I go.
HC: What’s your favorite class so far?
Amal: I actually like University 101. Its fun to me!
HC: What is it like coming here from New York?
Amal: It’s very different. It’s very fast paced up there. There’s immediate access to everything. Everyone is so independent. You don’t have to drive around everywhere. You can just take a bus or train to get places. I’m use to being around 20 different cultures in one room, hearing so many different languages. But down here it’s not like that at all. Its very slow paced. But everyone is so sweet and they generally want to help you. It really is a big adjustment culture wise. Not a culture shock, but definitely an adjustment.
Best wishes, Amal! We know you’ll do great things!