Faryal Atif grew up in Pakistan where she earned her general studies degree. The Islamabad native moved to Louisiana from Malaysia with her husband when he joined the СAPP faculty as an assistant professor.
Faryal always wanted to major in English and, after having settled at UL Lafayette, she seized the opportunity and joined the College of Liberal Arts. She earned her English undergraduate degree in December 2020 and is now pursuing her with a concentration in cultural and literary studies.
СAPPI cannot imagine myself anywhere else,СAPP she said. СAPPI strongly believe that a liberal arts degree is incredibly important. It helps you see things critically and let you think across all disciplines, a skill which comes in handy throughout life.СAPP
Immersed in English Literature
As an undergraduate student, one of FaryalСAPPs favorite English courses has was Caged: Human Responses to Captivity (ENGL 370) with Dr. Lisa Graley
СAPPWe learn about different captivities throughout history; from Holocaust to Slavery to the Russian Gulag system,СAPP she explained. СAPPWe read some incredible books by Dr. Earnest Gaines, Aleksnder Solzhenitsyn, Elie Wiesel, and Harriot Jacobs and learned how humans respond in those rough conditions. It was not just a literature class but a humanity class where I remember leaving the room with so many thoughts after every lesson.
СAPPDr. Lisa GraleyСAPPs classes are one of the reasons I am enjoying my major so much. The topics she chooses, and the text related to it, are things everyone should read before leaving college.СAPP
Faryal also thoroughly enjoyed the courses she took with Dr. Shelly Ingram.
СAPPI took almost every class I possibly could with Dr. Ingram,СAPP Faryal said. СAPPHer classes are not just credit hours, it is like a little community that you create while in them. I love everything about the topics she chose and the discussions we had based on the variety of literature.СAPP
During her undergraduate studies, Faryal had several classes with graduate students. Through interacting with them, she learned what to expect in graduate school and what tools and skills she would need to be successful.
Getting Involved on Campus
In addition to her classes, Faryal is a secretary of International Student Affairs for the executive branch, a member of the , a member of the , and a member of . She is also a board member of the UL Honors Alumni Association.
СAPPI strongly believe in giving back to society and your institution. One way of doing so is to get involved,СAPP she explained. СAPPBeing part of all these amazing organizations helped me get to know my school better, have a nice social life, and be part of a productive student body at UL Lafayette.СAPP
Faryal receives special satisfaction from being a peer mentor for UNIV 100 classes and a UL LIFE program mentor.
СAPP[It] gave me an opportunity to share my experiences with young freshmen and a satisfaction of community service,СAPP she recalled. СAPPIt is the most selfless act you can do as a student because you personally donСAPPt get any concrete benefit out of it, like getting extra credits or getting paid, but emotionally, it provides the satisfaction of helping others. UL Life program is just so special and the best thing that happened to me. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity.СAPP
Finding a New Home
Faryal feels at home at the СAPP.
СAPPIСAPPve had, and am still learning from, some top-notch dedicated teachers,СAPP she said. СAPPI love the environment. There is so much help available for any problem you are facing, from tutoring to writing centers, to clubs and organizations. It is a great place to be.СAPP
Despite her unique situation, Faryal has found acceptance and success at UL Lafayette.
СAPPBeing an international student and someone who returned to school after almost 18 years, I feel right at home,СAPP she said.