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Ayaan Shaik
West Virginia University offered a welcoming balance of familiarity and academics that, as an unknowing first time student, felt inviting and supportive. WVU’s growth, particularly in healthcare, was a key factor in my decision. My understanding and experience with this university offered a far more confidence in my future. At WVU, I could succeed with a plan that was far less uncertain. As a West Virginian, WVU was always a big part of my culture despite having parents who neither attended the school or grew up here. That culture gave me a better understanding of the university and, thereby, made my decision far easier.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
My favorite Mountaineer memory involves doing my homework one weekend while my roommates and friends begged me to join them in their games to which I succumbed. I forgot about my homework and forced my friends to help me finish it right before submission. All of us angry and tired doing my assignments or forcing them to help is such a laughable moment now, yet during that time it was most tense and frustrating.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
I wanted to become a PSA in order to improve in my public speaking skills as well as learn how I can be a more effective and compassionate leader. The PSA program offers opportunities of service and experience that will benefit my growth here at WVU.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
The PSA experience has reformed how I view leadership. What once was concept built on power and position has been redefined into empowerment and action. Small actions build trust. When you build a group from the ground up you form a foundation that can withstand hardship. I have been able to be a part of WVU’s growth by learning closed caption, videoing, and spreading information to students and others on PSA’s website. This program has helped me find my leadership style. Servant style marked by building others and understanding vulnerability builds trust. Most importantly PSA has shifted my perspective from an observer to an active participant.