My Huntsman Experience

In February of 2016, I landed in Fielding, UT. Why Utah? Because, like so many immigrants, it was the only place in the US where I had some family.

After graduation from Bear River High School, I attended the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) at Utah State University for two semesters. I graduated from IELI to start my college experience in January 2018. I spent two years just going to classes, and then going to work at Wal-Mart, without being involved in any activities or school clubs or other programs. I then found out about the Huntsman Scholar Program, applied, and was so elated to be accepted. Once I joined the program, my educational and professional experience changed 180 degrees. I started being open to more opportunities and got connected to faculty, staff, students, and business professionals. I participated in the Global Learning Experience in Peru in Summer 2019, and London in Spring 2020. These experiences would not have been possible without the scholarships provided by the Huntsman School.

More doors opened to me as I joined the International Business Club, where I now serve as the club president. I managed the USU Arabic Club and became a member of the Covey Leadership Fellows and the Huntsman ProSales program. I got inspired by many of my fellow students, and so I started look- ing for opportunities outside of the business school. I became an honors student and a student mentor at the Aggies First Scholars program. The Huntsman School pushed me to get out of my comfort zone by opening so many opportunities, like Focused Fridays, student clubs, and interactions with professionals. Because of this constant activity and learning, I could answer the question: “Who are you and what is your desire in this life?”

The decision to immigrate is very difficult and has its ups and downs. My family is now split between Algeria and the US. I went five years without seeing my mom, four years without seeing my nine-year-old brother, and two years without seeing my father. It is so hard to stay strong and keep my mental health higher while having many things going on at the same time. But I came to the US with one goal, to succeed. I have seen the sacrifices of my parents, who have sent their kids to the US from our native Algeria so that we can all have a chance for a better life.

Everyone in the Huntsman School is there to help students who ask for it. I advise my friends from all over the world and especially Algeria to come and study at Utah State University. I will convince people from around the world to get a chance to be an Aggie because I really have grown a lot these past two years and became a new Hadjer.

Visit Huntsman Student Stories to watch videos of more Huntsman students like Hadjer to learn why they chose Huntsman.