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December 1, 2025

Senior Political Science major Arushay Awan always dreamed of studying abroad, insisting her parents send her away if her grades were strong enough. Driven to become the first in her family to study in the U.S., she was accepted to ������ý��Ƶ and made the long trip from her hometown of Islamabad, Pakistan.

Initially a criminology major, things started to shift when she fell in love with her second semester political science classes.

“I switched it up.” Awan said. “It was a crazy decision, but I don’t regret it a bit. ������ý��Ƶ taught me that it’s never too late.”

With time, Awan would switch her major to political science, while also picking up minors in criminology, sociology, and legal studies. She hopes the combination will prove potent enough to get her into law school.

“One day I’m learning about juvenile crime, the next I’m studying corruption in Africa,” she said. “I love taking all these classes that keep me balanced. I really want to make the most of ������ý��Ƶ’s wide range of classes and impactful professors.”

That’s not all Awan is taking advantage of – she also served as the chairperson for campus safety and community relations on the student senate, as well as a student scholar for the World Affairs Councils of America conference in Washington D.C.

“I was also lucky enough to intern at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in my hometown Islamabad,” she said. “It truly strengthened my understanding of laws and justice and how international systems function. It was an experience I never would have had without the ������ý��Ƶ faculty and staff that pushed me to apply. So many people have influenced me and shaped who I am today.”

As she works toward her dreams, Awan finds herself exceedingly grateful for opportunities like the Charles F. Creamer Presidential Excellence Scholarship, which solidified her ability to study at ������ý��Ƶ.

“������ý��Ƶ has given me more than I could ever ask for,” Awan said. “The incredible friendships, the supportive faculty, and the warm and cozy environment have truly made it feel like home. As an international student, I’ve faced challenges like extreme homesickness, adjusting to a different culture, and my ������ý��Ƶ support system has helped me through all of it.”

–Jenevieve Rowley-Davis