Major: Computer and Information Science
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Ayesha Shafiuddin would often daydream about getting an education, a vision she wasn’t sure was possible.
“Immigrating to the United States taught me that you can’t give up an opportunity to take a risk or keep moving forward,” she said. “Here I am getting an incredible education at College of DuPage with so many opportunities ahead of me. Taking risks has led me to where I am right now, and I’m excited to continue with that momentum.”
One risk she took was running for Student Trustee on the College’s Board of Trustees. After being elected and serving her one-year term, Shafiuddin currently is president of the Student Leadership Council. In both roles, she represented students’ voices and worked to increase student participation on campus.
“I love College of DuPage and the vibrant community that we have. We encompass the values of hard work, dedication and passion. It’s something I’ve never witnessed before and I’m honored I get to serve on behalf of the student body,” she said. “My goal is to minimize student disconnection, whether that’s through our classrooms, different clubs or differing campus engagement activities."
I love College of DuPage and the vibrant community that we have. We encompass the values of hard work, dedication and passion.
Ayesha Shafiuddin
Embracing her leadership abilities, she is also president of the Computer Science Club.
“Meeting the students, listening to their perspectives and then being able to present it, whether to the Student Leadership Council, the Board of Trustees or through the Computer Science Club, are all crucial to enhancing COD,” she said. “Leadership is all about listening to others and moving forward together to find a solution.”
As a student in the Computer and Information Science program, Shafiuddin is particularly interested in AI. She studied machine learning and AI in Seoul, South Korea, after being named to the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which was administered through the College’s Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Learning office. She also is leading her fellow students in the Computer Science Club on AI-powered projects.
Shafiuddin believes in the College’s ability to shape students both inside and outside the classroom.
“COD students have so much potential, talent and passion and are driven by a deep
sense of purpose. It’s easy to come to campus, take your class and go home, but I
want all students to feel like they are an important part of the community.”
Learn more about the Computer and Information Science program at College of DuPage
