This week’s Fabulous Freshman is the gorgeous Shahd Khalili-Sangsari! She is a psychology major with a focus on family and marriage counseling from Dubai. Shahd and I got a chance to talk about her freshman experience and what she’s loving so far.
HC: Why did you choose Hampton University?
Shahd: I didn’t always know about Hampton. My sister came for community college then looked for good architecture schools here, so that’s how I heard about it. I came to pre-college so that I would be ready for the university. It was nice because it was a small group of people. You get to see how it’s really going to be during the year. I was able to get the hang of it.
HC: Why did you choose psychology as your major?
Shahd: Since I was in high school, I’ve changed what I wanted to do a million times. But I just like thinking about things in detail and imagining things. I wanted to study criminology. But I was focused on my community and how I could contribute to it. I had a bigger picture for what I could do if I go back to Dubai and work. I wanted to see what type of psychology would be the best. So I decided to do marriage and family counseling.
HC: What are you enjoying the most about Hampton so far?
Shahd: They thing that I enjoy the most is that its always lit! It’s really chill. The teachers actually care and want to help you. It’s smaller, so it’s good.
HC: How are you adjusting to being so far away from home?
Shahd: I wasn’t sure how it was going to go in the beginning. After I graduated from high school, I went to India and did community service. I went by self and got the hang of what its like to be alone. I came here and had my sister around and my parents came with me. So it’s been pretty good.
HC: What are two goals you have for freshman year?
Shahd: Make the Majestics dance team, make good grades and get to know a lot more people!
HC: How has your HBCU experience been so far?
Shahd: I never knew how deep it was. I always knew most people supported their culture. I support my culture and other people’s culture. But I never knew there was this much passion. And seeing this much passion at an HBCU is really nice. I’ve met the Persian culture, the Arab culture, and the general American culture, but not certain cultures inside the American culture. So this is pretty cool. It’s really nice. I love it!
We are so excited to see you take on Hampton University, Shahd!