Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients! The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) and the Study Abroad and Away Office (SAA) offer a few different scholarships to students every year. You can also read our other blog post about the reception here. Our office would like to spotlight a few of the recipients of these scholarships, so please get to know them and read more about their story!

An Huynh

Global Spartan Scholarship Recipient

Home Country: Vietnam

Major: BA Business Analytics, Senior

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment during your time at SJSU?:

I came to SJSU as an international, transfer and first-generation college student since Fall 2022 semester and there are some great achievements I have accomplished as a student on campus such as working on campus as an Orientation Leader to welcome thousands of new students and their families in every new semester, becoming the Vice President of GOAL (Generations of Aspiring Leaders) Club, receiving the Global Spartan Scholarship, being selected to the Gary J. Sbona Honor Program of the college of Business and maintaining good academic standing. 

What is your advice/message to fellow international students?

My advice to fellow international students are: 1) You’re not alone: we may come from different countries and cultures to the USA and our personal journey can also be different to one another but we always can connect with each other as a community so we continue learning and helping each other. 2) Believe in yourself, always: Living far away from your family and moving to a completely new country/environment are very challenging but your personal experience is a unique strength that show how brave, inquisitive, and open-minded you are as a person and that can be a key to success or achieve your dreams. 3) Don’t worry too much: as an international student like you all, I know for sure that we all have to worry about how our future will look like (education, career, finance, family, health, lifestyle, etc.) because there is always uncertainty in our lives but I personally believe that as long as we have always tried to do our best at what we consider ‘important’ and ‘meaningful’ to us, the rest will take care of itself! 🙂 

Rutvik Moradiya

Global Spartan Scholarship Recipient

Home Country: India

Major: MS Software Engineering

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment during your time at SJSU?:

My greatest accomplishment while attending SJSU was having the opportunity to conduct research under the distinguished direction of Professor Steven D. Silver. I also worked as a teaching assistant for Professor Jennifer Beckhoff while also founding and serving as the treasurer of the Spartan Garba Club, a club for students that promotes respect and proficiency in the traditional Indian folk dance known as the Garba.

What student or community organizations, internships, etc. are you involved with? How has your involvement impacted your SJSU experience?

I am actively engaged as the co-founder and treasurer of the Spartan Garba Club at SJSU, fostering cross-cultural appreciation of Garba dance and thus preserving Indian cultural heritage. Additionally, my internship with Amazon Web Services in Software Development Engineering allowed me to architect innovative solutions, substantially augmenting revenue pipelines and enhancing user experiences, while also conducting rigorous testing to ensure impeccable performance and security.

What is your advice/message to fellow international students?

My recommendation to other international students is to actively engage in campus activities for the reason that networking and finding new opportunities depend on involvement. Embrace the wonderful cultural diversity of your host nation because its people are a nation’s most beautiful feature. Life offers a wide variety of options, so step outside of your comfort zone, actively seek out new opportunities, and boldly seize those that present themselves.

Kalindi Parekh

Global Spartan Scholarship Recipient

Home Country: India

Major: MS Computer Science

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment during your time at SJSU?:

I have been at SJSU only for two months, but I believe my greatest achievement would be being more confident in my capabilities. My time at SJSU has not only enhanced my time management skills but also my technical and interpersonal skills. Overall, I believe I am a more confident individual now than I was two months ago and that positive growth both in my mindset and personality is my greatest accomplishment so far.

What student or community organizations, internships, etc. are you involved with? How has your involvement impacted your SJSU experience?

I am currently a part of the Indian Student Organization(ISO) and Society of Women Engineers(SWE). Both these organizations offer me a myriad set of experiences. ISO has given me the opportunity to connect with the vast network of Indian students and organizing cultural events with the team makes me feel closer to home. SWE gives me the opportunity to focus on my professional goals and interact with focused individuals across my field.

What is your advice/message to fellow international students?

Never feel shy to reach out and ask for help. SJSU has great resources and a strong alumni network. As an international student, this transition is challenging but it is also equally rewarding. Asking for help, reaching out to people and attending various events on campus is very important. The key is to never give-up. Opportunities are available at every nook and corner. Start early and focus on your goals. Also don’t forget to explore and take a breather every now and then!

Safiullah Saif

Global Spartan Scholarship Recipient

Home Country: India

Major: MS Software Engineering

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment during your time at SJSU?:

I have been constantly excelling in various aspects of school, be it in academics, or on-campus voluntary activities for the betterment of the community as a whole. However, the most prominent accomplishment during my time at SJSU would have to be the position of the Director of Academic Affairs. For the 2022-2023 academic year, I was appointed as the Director of Academic Affairs in the student government at SJSU. In this position, I represented 35,000 students in the Academic Senate and some of the University committees. In this leadership role, I was given the responsibility of chairing the Academic Affairs committee, where we discussed the academic problems at SJSU, and found out feasible and effective solutions for these problems. This committee of several students, a secretary, and an advisor was provided to me for helping me to solve any potential problems that may require assistance and further support. Under this position, I was also given the wonderful opportunity to serve as a Senator in the Academic Senate of the university, where I was given the ultimate power to affect the highest-level decisions of the university. I attended several events, including CSUnity that took place in CSU Long Beach, where I got the opportunity to put forth the problems of SJSU and its students in front of the CSU Board of Trustees. I believe that this position is the ultimate leadership position on campus, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this position to bring a positive impact on students’ lives.

What student or community organizations, internships, etc. are you involved with? How has your involvement impacted your SJSU experience?

I believe that I have strongly built myself as a leader during my time at San Jose State. I recently received the A.S. 55 Award for exemplary leadership skills and outstanding service to the SJSU community. I am currently the Resident Advisor at University Housing Services, which has helped me in learning community service and management at large. Additionally, I have been the Director of Academic Affairs at Associated Students, SJSU, making me responsible, punctual, and a growing leader. I have also completed the Leadership and Career Certificate Program, which has honed my leadership skills. I have previously been in the position of IT Systems and Support Student Coordinator, which has helped me manage and handle websites with great accuracy. I have work experience as a Front Desk Student Assistant and at the Writing Center at SJSU, and work experience as the marketing officer of SJSU, which are ideal opportunities for building your customer service skills. I have also organized several events for promoting elections, for example, the Elections Kick-Off event, and will be hosting many more events like this. Also, due to these jobs, I have developed excellent written and verbal communication skills, and leadership skills by hosting Ethics and Orientation sessions for the incoming Board of Directors. I also designed and produced several images, and videos, which has made me proficient in designing and creating media. These work experiences have made me develop my customer service and communication skills to a great extent. Looking at my experience in diverse domains on campus with some being great leadership positions, I strongly feel that this has helped me not only build my leadership skills but hone my character and uplift my attitude towards achieving greater things in life!

What is your advice/message to fellow international students?

From the very beginning, I have had a keen eye for grooming myself at a holistic level. Be it in academia, co-curricular, or work, I have always envisioned utilizing my abilities for both – my personal growth and that of the world around me. This positive attitude towards all these factors helped me to land scholarships every single year of my college life. Therefore, I would suggest all of my fellow international students, whether incoming or continuing, keep pursuing their goals with consistency, dedication, and hard work. Reaching your desired goals is not at all easy, but once you achieve it, all the pain and hard work you put into achieving it makes the achievement more special! And it is not always true that you will land your dream goal, even though you put in your hard work into it. I would suggest you look at it just like a stepping stone, and that the hard work you put into achieving it may not have made you reach that goal, but the quality of your trying to achieve something in your career will always remain with you in other domains of your life. Therefore, keep working hard until you are not satisfied with your goals!

Sanyukta Thatte

Global Spartan Scholarship Recipient

Home Country: India

Major: MS Engineering Management

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment during your time at SJSU?:

My most significant accomplishment during my time at San Jose State University has been the honor of being awarded the Global Spartan Scholarship. This achievement holds a special place in my heart as it not only reflects my dedication to academic excellence but also symbolizes the recognition of my commitment to making a positive impact on campus and within the broader community. This scholarship has not only provided me with financial support to further my education but has also validated my efforts to create a meaningful and lasting impact on campus. It has empowered me to continue my journey of personal growth and development, fostering a deep sense of responsibility to effect positive change not only within the SJSU community but also in the global context.

What student or community organizations, internships, etc. are you involved with? How has your involvement impacted your SJSU experience?

During my tenure at San Jose State University, I have actively engaged in various student and community organizations, internships, and leadership roles that have significantly enriched my SJSU experience. First and foremost, I had the privilege of securing a summer internship at Cooper Surgical as a Supply Chain Analyst Intern. This experience exposed me to the intricacies of supply chain management within a real-world context. I worked alongside industry professionals, honing my analytical skills and gaining invaluable insights into optimizing supply chain processes. This internship not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also affirmed my passion for pursuing a career in supply chain management. Additionally, my involvement in the “Women In Business” organization allowed me to contribute to a real-world consulting project. As a project manager, I spearheaded the team, guiding our efforts to solve a business challenge faced by our client. This hands-on experience taught me the importance of effective project management, collaboration, and problem-solving. We successfully delivered a solution that met the client’s needs, and this accomplishment instilled in me a sense of achievement and the confidence to tackle complex projects. Currently, I have the distinct privilege of serving as the President of the Engineering Management Student Association. In this leadership role, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students, faculty, and industry experts to create a thriving community of engineering management enthusiasts. We organize events, and networking opportunities to foster professional and personal growth. In summary, my involvement in these student and community organizations, coupled with my internship experience, has been instrumental in shaping my SJSU journey. They have allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings, develop crucial leadership and teamwork skills, and build a strong network of peers and mentors. Each experience has contributed to my personal and professional growth, and I look forward to continuing my active engagement within the SJSU community to make a positive impact.

What is your advice/message to fellow international students?

Embarking on a journey as an international student is an incredible adventure filled with opportunities, challenges, and personal growth. As you navigate through this unique experience, I’d like to share some advice and words of encouragement: Embrace Cultural Diversity: Take the time to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures you’ll encounter. Be open to making friends from around the world, learning new languages, and celebrating diverse traditions. These connections will enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine. Seek Support: You are not alone on this journey. Reach out to your university’s international student office, join student organizations, and build a support network. Whether it’s academic assistance, cultural guidance, or emotional support, there are resources available to help you thrive. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try new activities, explore your host city, and take on leadership roles in clubs and organizations. Growth often happens when you challenge yourself. Balance Academics and Life: While academics are important, remember that your well-being matters too. Find a balance between studying and enjoying your time abroad. Take breaks, travel, and explore your passions outside of the classroom. Stay Curious: Keep your curiosity alive. Explore your academic interests, engage in research, and pursue internships that align with your goals. Learning is a lifelong journey, and your international experience is a valuable part of it. Give Back: Consider giving back to your host community. Volunteering or getting involved in community service can be incredibly rewarding and a way to leave a positive impact on the place you call your second home. Stay Connected: Stay in touch with loved ones back home. Technology makes it easier than ever to maintain connections with family and friends. Their support can provide a sense of stability during your international adventure. Believe in Yourself: Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities. You’ve already shown courage and determination by embarking on this journey. Trust that you have what it takes to succeed and make the most of this remarkable experience. Remember to cherish memories along the way! Wishing you a fulfilling and transformative journey!