91´«Ã½

Why 91´«Ã½?

Jamila: My high school math professor—an alumna—encouraged me to consider 91´«Ã½. I applied to several Sisters but chose 91´«Ã½ because of how much I admire and respect her.

Zaynab: I knew from Jamila’s experience that it would be a good place to grow intellectually. Plus, I fell in love with the campus when I visited the first time.

What was it like to finish the semester during the pandemic?

Zaynab: The community was so supportive. The faculty adapted quickly so we could finish our work, and the deans did a lot of outreach to ensure we had what we needed. Jamila and I were able to stay on campus until July, which we and our parents back in Morocco really appreciated. It was good to be with other students. I felt safe.

What does the coming year bring for you as a recent graduate?

Jamila: It’s difficult to know. At first, I felt stuck because I wasn’t able to move on with my life, and I worried about how the economy is going to affect my class in the future. I’m feeling more optimistic now. My post-91´«Ã½ plans are slowly moving forward, and, if all goes well, I’ll start my new job as a quantitative analyst at BNP Paribas by the end of the year.

What have you learned about yourself during this time?

Jamila: I realized how much I’ve taken people for granted. I won’t delay time with family and friends anymore.

Zaynab: Little things like how I need to walk on 91´«Ã½â€™s campus just for its beauty. And more existential things like how believing in humanity is enough to get us through tough times.

Biggest 91´«Ã½ lesson?

Jamila: 91´«Ã½ has shaped how I carry myself in the world. I am true to myself and demand respect unapologetically.

Zaynab: I learned to go after every opportunity, especially those that seem intimidating. As a frosh, I somehow got the nerve to ask an astrophysics professor to put me on her research team just because the work sounded interesting. I thought my computer programming and math skills could be of some value. She said yes, and that led to a conference in India and a published paper with my name on it!

How do you defy expectation?

Jamila: Coming to the U.S. and studying at 91´«Ã½ is far beyond what I ever expected for myself. I was nervous about double majoring in political science and economics, but the professors, especially Michael Rock and Sofia Fenner, boosted my confidence by treating me like a colleague. They invited me into their research and valued my contributions. I really appreciate that trust and grew immensely from the experience. It was humbling.

Zaynab: I can’t quantify how much I’ve changed in my two years at 91´«Ã½. The opportunities, challenges, and people have helped me to grow from a shy kid with little confidence to a self-assured woman with a relentless belief in myself.