Page 358 - Keys to College Success

student PROFILE

Jad El-Adaimi

CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE
UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO

About me: perspective of cultures and communicating with everyone,
I went to school in Lebanon. Then everything changed.
I came to Cupertino, California, We learn from everyone around us. I started being less secluded
where I attended De Ana College and more outgoing, and became closer to people from all over the
for two years and attained my A.S. degree in biological sciences. U.S. and the world. This meant I learned a few words from each
I then transferred to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and graduated in person’s language, ate their food, celebrated some of their holi-
June of 2010 with a B.S. in molecular and cellular biology. I started days, and respected their traditions. Broadening my communica-
my master’s program in September of 2010. tion allowed me to adjust to different cultures and people, and
helped me transfer successfully from De Anza to Cal Poly.
What I focus on:

I grew up in Lebanon, where almost everyone was Lebanese. I What will help me in the workplace:
was open and friendly with everyone, but had never lived with We build our personality and experiences through the people
people from other cultures. When I came to college in the around us. When you start a new job you meet new people. Learn
U.S. that all changed. I met people from around the world. I to adjust to individuals and accept them for who they are, within
worked and studied with people from different backgrounds. In your limits. This way you can do your work at the highest stan-
the beginning I felt disconnected and tried finding friends dard and still remain social and enjoy your workplace. Accepting
from my area of the world. This did not help me adjust; instead, people or at least adjusting to them in some manner will help in
I felt homesick. However, as soon as I started broadening my any situation.

to take calculated, productive risks will allow you to put these valuable tools to work
and reward you with the achievement of your most-valued goals. Risk being true to
yourself, a respectful friend and family member, a focused student who believes in the
power of learning, a productive employee, and a contributing member of society.
These risks will earn you the ultimate reward of a meaningful life—a life that can
change the world.
Thriving in a Diverse Global Community

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