Giving spirit
By Fallon Bourgeois
Salman Sajid always carries with him a message his father instilled in his family.
“My father is a very community-minded person. He often says, ‘It doesn’t take a lot for me to help someone, but it could make a big difference in the life of the other person.’”
And over the last four years, Salman, who studies computer science, has not only experienced this first-hand as a recipient of a renewable Schulich Scholarship, he’s put it to action through his remarkable work as a student leader and volunteer.
Born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia, Salman studied in Malaysia for a year before coming to Dal. While it was understandably a big adjustment, Salman says the sense of community he felt – within both the Faculty of Computer Science and the greater community – helped him find his way. And his scholarship played a large role as well.
“Over the last four years, my scholarship has put me at ease. Not only has it been a great sense of motivation, it’s truly enabled me to become a leader by affording me the time to play an active role in many initiatives.”
Salman continues, “I have friends who work 40 hours a week, which is admirable, but for me that would have changed my ability to give back through student life.”
Through his work with the Pakistani Student Association (which he started), the Sikh Students Association, the Muslim Students Association, Indian Sub-Continent Students Society and Dalhousie International Students Association (DISA), among others —Salman has helped enhance the cultural vibrancy of the university. He’s dedicated himself to providing support for other international students transitioning to life at Dalhousie and bringing together different groups to help the community.
“People think students can’t do a lot in terms of giving back, but when we work together, we can have a large impact.”
Among many impressive accomplishments last academic year his work with DISA resulted in the creation of four $1,000 scholarships and two $500 emergency bursaries for international students —ones that not only support students in need, but recognize academic and extracurricular activities.
Over the last four years, Salman has thrived academically as well. He’s discovered his interest in cyber security – sparked by a second-year class and followed by a research opportunity in third year. He’ll graduate this October and has lots of ideas for his future, including graduate school, but first he wants to gain industry experience. Salman says the future he sees for himself is different than he ever could have imagined.
“I really believe my scholarship has shaped my life and future. I never thought I’d grow in the way that I have. It afforded me the opportunity to give back in many capacities and ultimately, I’ve learned that I am a good leader,” says Salman. “I owe so much to the people who have supported at Dal – the Schulich Scholarship that has motivated me and supported my pursuit of education, my parents who always inspire me, and the community of friends I’ve built. They are my mentors, my inspiration, and my best support system.”