Aggies around the world
Name: Syed SayemYear in school: seniorMajor: computer science and managerial economicsWhere are you from? Bangladesh
Utah Statesman: Of all the schools in the world, why did you decide to come to USU?Syem Sayem: My friend was studying at USU, told me that it is a good university, located in a beautiful and safe city.
US: How do you get financing to come to school here?
SS: Through scholarship.
US: What is school like before college where you’re from?
SS: School is stricter than college. We are supposed to wear school uniform every day. The classes start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with a 45 minutes lunch break in between. These made school very different from college.
US: What is your favorite sport to play? Why?
SS: Cricket. It is an interesting game. Even if my friends and I found a little bit of free time, we used to play cricket. You can even find kids playing cricket in their neighborhood in the evenings.
US: What is your favorite sport to watch at USU? Why?
SS: Basketball. It is a passionate and exciting game. I just get totally involved when watching our USU team play.
US: What other countries have you been to? Which one is your favorite? Why?
SS: Other than USA, I have been to Thailand and Hong Kong. It is difficult to decide which one is better than the other because both are beautiful places. The next country I would like to visit is India because I have heard a lot about this country.
US: Do you like the snow? Why or why not?
SS: Yes, I like snow. It doesn’t snow in my country. I saw snow for the first time ever in Logan.
US: Does your country have a national anthem? If so, what are the words to your country’s national anthem in English?
SS: Yes, my country has a national anthem.
My beloved BengalMy Bengal of Gold,I love you.
Forever your skies,Your air set my heart in tuneAs if it were a flute.
In spring, O mother mine,The fragrance from your mango grovesMakes me wild with joy,Ah, what a thrill!In autumn, O mother mine,In the full blossomed paddy fieldsI have seen spread all over sweet smiles.
Ah, what a beauty, what shades,What an affection, and what a tenderness!What a quilt have you spreadAt the feet of banyan treesAnd along the banks of rivers!
O mother mine, words from your lipsAre like nectar to my ears.Ah, what a thrill!If sadness, O mother mine,Casts a gloom on your face,My eyes are filled with tears!
US: What do you think of America?
SS: It is a land of opportunities. I feel free to do what is right according to me, and I can express my thoughts freely without any constraints.
US: Do you think Logan is similar to the rest of the United States? Why or why not?
SS: No. Logan is more religious and conservative than the rest of the United States, which makes it more safe and friendly.
US: Do you think USU students are accepting of you and other international students? Why or why not?
SS: Most of them are accepting. They would like to learn other cultures, and some students like to help international students to adapt to the new environment.
US: What do you think could be done to help all students be more accepting?
SS: They should be taught more about other countries, cultures and traditions during their childhood, which will make them more open-minded.
US: What is your favorite television show?
SS: “Seinfeld.”
US: How long have you been involved with the International Student Council?
SS: Two years.
US: What is your favorite thing about being on the ISC?
SS: I am the current president of the International Student Council. I have got this wonderful opportunity to lead an amazing group of international students. Even if they are from various countries, they come together as a family to put up an event. They are always willing to share their traditions and cultures with other international and American students. A major international event that comes up in spring is the International Banquet. This year it is on March 22 in the Ballroom.
US: What are your plans for the future after you graduate?
SS: I will work for a year for gaining experience and pursue a MBA.
US: What is the best book you’ve ever read and why?
SS: I am not a great fan of reading novels.
US: What is your favorite type of music?
SS: Mostly Hindi and Bengali music.
US: Who is your favorite band or music group?
SS: ARK in Bangladesh.
US: Do you play any instruments? If so, which one and how long have you played it?SS: No. But I would like to learn piano.
US: If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?
SS:
1. I wish Bangladesh was next to United States so that I can visit my family often.
2. A peaceful world.
3. The word “poverty” should be removed from the dictionary.
US: What is your greatest fear?
SS: God.
US: What was the best date you’ve ever been on?
SS: My first date was the best date and my last date.
US: If you could change one thing about USU, what would it be?
SS: Reduction in tuition fees.
US: Who is your role model?
SS: My mother.