Amal Qureshi always knew she wanted to be an active member of the University of Michigan-Dearborn community—and she knew the possibilities for involvement were endless. Luckily for her—and for the incoming students she has worked with—she found her place as an orientation leader.

Since 2011, Amal has welcomed hundreds of incoming freshman and transfer students to campus. She often was the first smiling face they’d see on campus as she helped students register for classes and showed them around.

Soon enough, she moved up to orientation program assistant, working behind the scenes to help put freshman, transfer and parent orientations together.

“Without realizing it, I became a leader to students transitioning into the UM-Dearborn community,” she said. “The work I did became less of a job for me and more of a passion.”

That passion was evident to her colleagues. 

“Her passion for orientation and for the university is unmatched,” said Theresa Malcom, student administration assistant. “She is always smiling and is ever so caring. Our days may be stressful, but she reminds us all why we love doing what we do for our students.”

Outside of the Admissions and Orientation Office, Amal was a member of the Psychology Club and Orphan Relief Fund, helping to raise funds and host events for both organizations.

In part because of her experiences as an orientation assistant, Amal plans to continue to work in higher education even after she graduates. Her goal is to create greater accessibility to education.

“My long-term goal is to enhance higher education for disabled students,” she said. “I believe higher education is an important life experience, and every student deserves the right to continue their education.”