Salma Ahmed

Hi! I’m Salma Ahmed from the class of 2019 with a Bachelors in Nutrition and Wellness. A first-gen Pakistani American, who chose a Catholic University as a Muslim because the core values aligned with me and my religion. Furthermore, I chose to become a part of the Marywood Alumni Association Board of Directors as a result of my love for my alma mater, to help plan reunions and to give back. 

Some of my favorite memories as an undergrad which I fondly remember to this day would have to be meeting my friends who made uni life fun and manageable especially my International ones who might be far now as most went back to their respective home countries but as still close to my heart. Being able to travel there and meet them was such a nice time like we were back in college exploring like I took them around during the couple hours of free time we had in between classes or on weekends. We would study together, pray together, travel together and if they would go back for the summer, asking me if I would like them to bring something from back home and if I said no just you come back safe and sound, they would still bring me gifts and snacks. My time with the IHM sisters who were in fact just like sisters helping and guiding in the best way possible, the professors who wanted you to succeed and made learning enjoyable… last but not least the faculty and staff who became a part of my daily life as well whether it be seeing them patrolling the grounds keeping us save, letting us in when we were locked out or our key cards were giving us a issue, keeping our classrooms and bathrooms clean to use, and the Chartwells staff who were just like family making sure you were fed and even sending us with leftovers after events and helping us pack. I would say names to shoutout the individuals who gave me such fond memories during my time at Marywood but I would be worried I forgot someone. 

For students who choose Marywood, the most crucial advice I would give is “You get out what you put in” and that goes for anything in life not just your education. Make the most of your 4 or so years because they won’t come back. Don’t just focus on your grades because sometimes what you learn outside of the classroom might have a far greater impact on the trajectory of your life. Some lessons can’t be taught in a textbook which is why I am grateful for all the experiences I was exposed to Marywood not just in the classroom. Serve if you can and make most of all the volunteer opportunities given to you, be involved and have a positive mindset. 

During my 4 years at Marywood from 2015-2019 I was super involved from the get-go due to be selected as one of the five Maxis Gillet Service Scholars (as a freshman I was helping other freshmen move in haha). I spent countless hours at Campus Ministry and gave my time to many clubs and projects. Thanks to Sister Cathy and Sister John’s guidance and support I was able to start and lead many service opportunities for fellow students through Better Together (an interfaith project), Project Smile (for the Community Intervention Center), Nativity Miguel School, Friends of the Poor, Kidstuff, Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family, Refugee Day, Big Friends Little Friends, and Volunteers in Action to name a few. In the summer being an orientation leader was a blast despite the lack of sleep we were getting with the early mornings. It was nice being able to welcome all the incoming freshman and showing them the ropes. With admissions I was giving tours and making calls whenever I could, one of the International Ambassadors, and on the Solidarity Committee (Refugee Education Program) with the University of Scranton. Some other roles I had in clubs were as VP of the International Club (which then went on to became the Global Unity Club my last 2 years), SAND, Student Alumni Association, Saudi Club, Immersion Days with the Foreign Language Department, Medical Mission Service Trip to Guatemala, Neighborworks, Hosted the first ever Wear a Hijab for a Day for girls and gave out free scarves, Yellow Roses Interfaith Event, Peace Meals, Recreational Soccer coordinator and VP of the Food Recovery Network.

Fun Facts:

A major foodie who loves trying different cuisines and discovering new restaurants in the tristate area. Also I have my motorcycle license which I got while I was studying at Marywood and enjoy exploring/ traveling/ finding hidden gems.