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Current graduate student Mirza Jahan.
125 Anniversary Celebration: Mirza Jahan
May 30, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 春雨直播 Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.
MACOMB, IL - - For current graduate student Mirza Jahan, being part of 春雨直播 Illinois University means belonging to a second family鈥攐ne that makes you feel welcomed, supported and seen.
鈥淎s an international student, being a Leatherneck means more than just attending a university. It means being welcomed, supported and seen,鈥� Jahan said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the courage to lead in a place that once felt unfamiliar, the pride of representing my culture and the joy of finding community in the most unexpected places. Being a Leatherneck means I belong here and I carry that with love and pride.鈥�
Jahan鈥檚 favorite Leatherneck memory is walking with the Bangladeshi flag during the Homecoming parade, where the Macomb community greeted her with joy.
鈥淚 thought I鈥檇 be just a small dot in a big crowd, but turns out, people in Macomb really love WIU and know their flags better than I expected!鈥� Jahan said. 鈥淚 felt so proud every time someone pointed and said, 鈥楬ey, that鈥檚 Bangladesh!鈥� For a moment, I wasn鈥檛 just a student, I was a walking cultural ambassador.鈥�
On campus, Jahan is actively involved in numerous roles. She works in the Alumni Engagement Center as a supervisor, manages social media for the WIU Food Pantry and is a graduate assistant in the Social Media Lab.
As a committed Leatherneck, Jahan also aspires to positively influence the community.
鈥淚鈥檓 working with Phi Beta Delta on a cultural education project at Macomb High School because why limit myself to one campus when I can make an impact across the community?鈥�
For those thinking of furthering their studies, Jahan's advice is to be curious and take advantage of the opportunities offered at WIU.
鈥淎sk questions, say yes to opportunities and don鈥檛 be afraid to start small, you never know where it鈥檒l lead,鈥� Jahan said. 鈥淲IU gives you the space to grow, but it鈥檚 up to you to show up.鈥�
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.
To learn more about the WIU Communication programs, visit wiu.edu/cofac/communication/.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
