Today, we speak with Aysha Siddika, a graduate student in strategic communications and public relations from Bangladesh who lives off campus. Aysha will share her#PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: MST Aysha Siddika
Majors: Strategic Communications (formerly the Master’s of Arts in Public Relations)
Home: Bangladesh
Off-Campus resident: Yes. I live in Crossing Apartments.
Athletic clubs: Women’s Physique Club
Share an “a ha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field.
As a big dreamer, I see myself in a place where I will be a motivator, inspirer and influencer. I feel passionate about doing adventures and facing challenges. I attended as a guest with my friends at Rowan commencement ceremony and I heard the commencement speech of Mr. Christopher J. Lukach, a distinguished public relations alumnus. That moment I was really thrilled and took the decision that I want to be a pioneer in public relations field. I did my bachelor’s in marketing and I choose my MA in Strategic Communications at Rowan University which I think is a good fit for me to cherish my future goal.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
On my first few days, I was luckily meet with Professor Dr. Matthew Pittman, assistant professor in the Department of Public Relations and Advertising. He shared his academic and non-academic book collections with me which are fantastic and really helps me to gaining knowledge and passing my leisure time in a good way. We also discuss about my research and writing interest and I always benefitted from his guidance.
Describe for us an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported.
I participated in ‘Women’s Power Summit’ an event held at Rowan University. It was about to inspire the young women entrepreneurs. Since I have an aim, hidden in my mind, to start a business of my own I really enjoyed the speeches of the successful ladies at that event and I feel motivated.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
I have lots of moments and experiences when I felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for me. Being an international student, I was dealing with a different culture and language barrier in my beginning days. When I met my department faculty, International Center and the other communities around Rowan, everyone was very supportive of me.
Why did you choose Rowan?
My husband, Plaban Das, graduated from Rowan. He was an engineering graduate student and research assistant here. I used to come to campus to hang out with him. I found that I was liking the campus very much and eventually I came to participate in various public events around Rowan on my free time. These things motivated me to be a part of Rowan and I wanted to be a student of Rowan.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On a busiest day I wake up early and eat breakfast with my husband. After he leaves for work I sit on my laptop, check emails and take looks on my social media. I read newspapers daily or watch news to keep myself updated. Then I do my assignments, some household works or cooking. In the evening, I leave for classes around 6 pm.
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Photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations, advertising & theatre major
