A TikTok video and a gut feeling set incoming freshman Maira Arshad on a path toward attending Illinois State University to pursue a degree in psychology and a passion for helping others.
While there was a university within 40 minutes of her hometown in Edmond, Oklahoma, the first-generation student always wanted to attend college out of state and start a new chapter in her life.
Arshad said she first heard of Illinois State University through social media.
“A TikTok was on my ‘For You’ page, and I was like, wait, they look like they’re having a lot of fun,” said Arshad.
She decided to apply to the University, was accepted, and packed her bags to move from Oklahoma to Illinois.
“I had so many Zoom calls with different Admissions counselors to figure out where I want to be,” said Arshad. “Even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to come see the school before I applied or before I accepted, I knew that it just felt like the right place for me. It just felt like a gut feeling, like this is where I need to be.”
Despite having never visited campus or Illinois, this feeling persisted once she arrived in Normal.
“People here are so nice,” said Arshad. “Everyone’s willing to help out in some kind of way, and I love that kind of environment, so I’m glad I chose ISU.”
A primary selling point for Arshad was with the many opportunities to get involved on campus.
“When I was in high school, a big thing for me was volunteering,” said Arshad. “I had to make sure that the campus I was going to was also like that, and I definitely saw that in Illinois State.”
In high school, she was involved with the National Honors Society, Key Club, and volunteering for the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, which fundraises for mental health resources in the school district. She also served as president for the Oklahoma HOSA: Future Health Professionals organization, a student-led group that connects future health professionals.
A first-generation student, Arshad navigated the path to college mostly on her own.
“I definitely have come to know that I just have myself, and knowing that if something needs to be done, I need to get it done,” said Arshad.
Her passion for helping others was cultivated from a young age. Having struggled significantly with mental health in middle school, Arshad said she felt like she was missing the resources needed to succeed as a teenager.
One of her teachers noticed her struggling and stepped in to help.
“It definitely made me feel like I had a sense of belonging, and how he helped me made me want to help other people,” said Arshad.
As an Honors Program student at Illinois State, Arshad is most excited to dive into what the program has to offer.
“I’m looking forward to the Honors Seminars program the most,” said Arshad. “I feel like that’s where I’ll make most of my friends.”
Over the next four years, Arshad hopes to lay down roots that will help her grow, through graduation and beyond.
“I hope to make connections that not only help me in the future with my goals, but also, lifelong friendships.”
Read about all of the students featured in our “Newest Redbirds” series at News.IllinoisState.edu.
