Faryal Atif grew up in Pakistan where she earned her general studies degree. The Islamabad native moved to Louisiana from Malaysia with her husband when he joined the University of Louisiana at Lafayette faculty as an assistant professor.
Faryal always wanted to major in English and, after having settled at UL Lafayette, she seized the opportunity and joined the College of Liberal Arts. She earned her English undergraduate degree in December 2020 and is now pursuing her master’s in English with a concentration in cultural and literary studies.
“I cannot imagine myself anywhere else,” she said. “I strongly believe that a liberal arts degree is incredibly important. It helps you see things critically and let you think across all disciplines, a skill which comes in handy throughout life.”
Immersed in English Literature
As an undergraduate student, one of Faryal’s favorite English courses has was Caged: Human Responses to Captivity (ENGL 370) with Dr. Lisa Graley
“We learn about different captivities throughout history; from Holocaust to Slavery to the Russian Gulag system,” she explained. “We read some incredible books by Dr. Earnest Gaines, Aleksnder Solzhenitsyn, Elie Wiesel, and Harriot Jacobs and learned how humans respond in those rough conditions. It was not just a literature class but a humanity class where I remember leaving the room with so many thoughts after every lesson.
“Dr. Lisa Graley’s classes are one of the reasons I am enjoying my major so much. The topics she chooses, and the text related to it, are things everyone should read before leaving college.”
Faryal also thoroughly enjoyed the courses she took with Dr. Shelly Ingram.
“I took almost every class I possibly could with Dr. Ingram,” Faryal said. “Her classes are not just credit hours, it is like a little community that you create while in them. I love everything about the topics she chose and the discussions we had based on the variety of literature.”
During her undergraduate studies, Faryal had several classes with graduate students. Through interacting with them, she learned what to expect in graduate school and what tools and skills she would need to be successful.
Getting Involved on Campus
In addition to her classes, Faryal is a UL LIFE program Mentor, secretary of International Student Affairs for the Student Government Association's (SGA) executive branch, a member of the Student Leadership Council, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a member of Sigma Tau Delta. She is also a board member of the UL Honors Alumni Association.
“I strongly believe in giving back to society and your institution. One way of doing so is to get involved,” she explained. “Being part of all these amazing organizations helped me get to know my school better, have a nice social life, and be part of a productive student body at UL Lafayette.”
Faryal receives special satisfaction from being a peer mentor for UNIV 100 classes and a UL LIFE program mentor.
“[It] gave me an opportunity to share my experiences with young freshmen and a satisfaction of community service,” she recalled. “It is the most selfless act you can do as a student because you personally don’t get any concrete benefit out of it, like getting extra credits or getting paid, but emotionally, it provides the satisfaction of helping others. UL Life program is just so special and the best thing that happened to me. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity.”
Finding a New Home
Faryal feels at home at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“I’ve had, and am still learning from, some top-notch dedicated teachers,” she said. “I love the environment. There is so much help available for any problem you are facing, from tutoring to writing centers, to clubs and organizations. It is a great place to be.”
Despite her unique situation, Faryal has found acceptance and success at UL Lafayette.
“Being an international student and someone who returned to school after almost 18 years, I feel right at home,” she said.