CSU Student of Distinction: Amal Elhachdani
Although commencement has passed, Cleveland State University continues to celebrate graduating students who have overcome obstacles, achieved significant milestones, or advanced the university’s mission inside and outside the classroom.
Today, we celebrate Amal Elhachdani, who is earning a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies (public administration track) and philosophy (pre-law track).
CSU: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at CSU?
AE: I have interned at multiple non-profits in the Cleveland area while at CSU. My sophomore year I was the fundraising intern for Food Strong and the Famicos Foundation. I learned a lot about what it means to work as a fundraising event planner and about how non-profits work in regard to donations. I got to get out into the community and coordinate with different small businesses, organizations, and individuals to make the events a success.
The summer of my junior year I was the Youth and Volunteer Coordinating intern for the Madison Court Community Coalition, which helped me connect with my neighborhood and showed me the power of positive community activities for local families. My junior and senior year I worked as the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for the Law and Leadership Institute, which helped me discover my passion for educational advocacy in today's Ohio youth.
CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?
AE: I would describe the connections I've made with the faculty and staff at CSU as incredibly supportive. Whenever I've needed help regarding student organizations, my classes, or career and life advice, I've been lucky to find faculty and staff that are excited to help.
CSU: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?
AE: CSU has inspired me for my future because it's been an opportunity for me to prove to myself every day that I can do what I put my mind to. When I started my freshman year, I was incredibly shy and had a difficult time meeting others, but when I was ready to expand my social and academic horizons, Cleveland State had opportunities readily available. When I showed up and made an effort to do something new on campus, it solidified to me that I had the capability to change the course of my life.
CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled the CSU’s mission?
AE: I believe I have fulfilled CSU's mission of collaborating with the community. Through my leadership roles on campus, most significantly my role as the President of the Campus Activities Board, I have helped to bring students together through fun and educational means. Experiencing the different communities we have on campus and being able to be a part of their inner processes has set my sights on continuing to foster community and support in the places I enter.
CSU: Do you have a career lined up, and how has CSU been instrumental in that process?
AE: Starting in August of this year, I will be working at Open Doors Academy as a Cleveland Foundation Fellow. I am incredibly excited to work around education and college readiness for students, and without guidance and a recommendation letter from my Career Specialist (and supervisor) John-Nelson Hronek from the Career Development and Exploration office on campus, it would not have been possible.
Congratulations, Amal!