Meet Zahir
Personal initiative makes a difference
After an exhausting college search, I decided to attend Wake Forest because it offers an environment in which a student like me can develop and progress academically, socially and spiritually. Small class sizes encourage meaningful relationships with professors and engaging peer discussions. The faculty is dedicated to undergraduate learning, and they are all stars in their fields just waiting for students to tap into their expertise. In addition, outside research and personal academic pursuits are financially encouraged by the University, making these opportunities available to students with a variety interests. During my time here, I've conducted three independent study projects in Bangladesh, Egypt and Morocco—all of which were either fully or partially funded by the University.
Academics that have real-world applications
When I first interviewed at Wake Forest, I knew I wanted to major in political science. In fact, as a senior in high school I met and talked with one of the professors in the department who is now my major advisor and the department head! I love my American politics courses. In my grassroots organizing and campaign work, I see everyday how political philosophies and collected statistics apply to my on-the-ground-experiences. In addition, my international politics courses keep me engaged as a global citizen concerned with the rights and liberties of those in other nations.
Ready for whatever the future holds
I am still not sure what I'll do after I graduate. Right now, I'm considering graduate school (masters in international development, masters in public policy, or law school). Ideally, I'd like to work for a few years before continuing my schooling, preferably abroad in Africa or the Middle East. I've considered working for an international consulting firm or perhaps one of the many human rights nonprofit groups. I also plan to apply for scholarship programs, such as the Fulbright and the Gates Cambridge. At Wake Forest, I've learned to be fearless in my pursuits and to trust my instincts, two skills that will be invaluable whatever my future career plans.
I loved my state politics class because I took it while I was putting hours upon hours of work into the 2008 election. It was really cool to learn about political cultures and regional trends and then to see how they existed with the everyday voter in North Carolina.
College Democrats in the 2008 election.
Balancing my personal, academic, social and spiritual lives.
- Turning NC blue in 2008
- VP Joe Biden writing a note to my professor asking him to go easy on me
- Attending the Democratic National Convention
- Speaking during Wake Forest admissions sponsored Open House events
- Traveling the world.
About Me
Name: Zahir Rahman
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Major: Political Science
Minor: Religion and Middle East/South Asian Studies
Expected graduation year: 2010
Scholarships and awards:
Fulbright Award Winner for study in Morocco
Clubs and organizations:
- College Democrats (2 years as president)
- Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honors Society
- WFU Community Business and Law Clinic (Executive Co-chair)
- Judicial Council (3 years)
- Student Government
- Phi Beta Kappa
- President's Aide (2 years)
- North Carolina Federation of College Democrats (Director of Political Affairs)
- College Democrats of America (Faith Caucus Chair)
My Favorites
- Traditions: Rolling the Quad, On-campus housing, Gathering in Wait Chapel
- Athletic team: Basketball
- Study location: Wait Chapel (don't tell anyone!)
- Place to eat near campus: Mountain Fried Chicken
- Books: The Catcher in the Rye; No God but God, David Copperfield
- Movies: Fast and the Furious; American Psycho; Taxi Driver; Ferris Bueller's Day Off; Home Alone, Aladdin
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