Introduction to Muneeb
(Image of me taken by Ervin Photography in 2016)
Life moves fast, especially when there are a million things to do at the same time. My biggest problem coming into college was that I did not know what I wanted to do, the truth is, I still don't. This is why I chose to pursue two fields that are vastly different from one another and equally as challenging. This semester I will be a Junior with the majors of Biology and Letters. I enjoy reading, writing, playing any sport, volunteering, and meeting new people. My two degrees enable me to learn how to problem solve which is a skill set that I am grateful to acquire.
This Summer I was blessed enough to become a Leadership Scholar through the College of Arts and Sciences which allowed me to travel to Europe. I began my journey by backpacking across England and Scotland for a week with one of my friends. I then joined the rest of the group in France for the next few weeks. As we toured around the country, I noticed the differences in lifestyles by our two cultures. I returned a happier and more grateful man, more able to be present in the moments of my life rather than be stuck behind a screen. Four days after I landed in the United States, I started work with the George Kaiser Family Foundation as an intern at the Gathering Place (a new five-hundred million dollar, world-class park). During my time with this organization I realized what was most important to me in a workplace and how I want to leave a legacy in the world.
As this year begins, I find myself at odds with my schedule. I wish to learn more about the world, but at the same time contribute to it. I find escapes and chances to do such with my extracurricular life. As a member of the Student Government Association, Integrity Council, and Crimson Club, I find myself surrounded by opportunities to leave an impact. To top all of my experience off this year, what I am most excited for is working as a Resident Mentor at Dunham College.
Muneeb, I'm so happy to see someone I already know in this class! As it's my final year in college and I'm trying to fit my remaining degree requirements and extracurricular responsibilities into my schedule, I too am at odds with my schedule. I always had the hardest time saying no to helping others until I started studying economics and I realized that I only have a limited amount of time in college and I need to spend an adequate amount of time investing in myself or else I'll be limited the pay-off of my education after I graduate. When I say "pay-off", I specifically mean my capability to contribute to society at a greater level than I can right now. As hard as it was, I had to ask myself "Should I risk taking a hit to my grade that could consequently lower my GPA and affect my post-grad plans so I can go volunteer at a river clean-up or should I buckle down and ace this economics exam so I can possibly in the future help create legislature that prevents river pollution or prosecute those companies that pollute rivers?" I wish you the best this semester and I know you will make it out alive and thriving, but just promise me that it won't be at the expense of your sanity!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your words of wisdom, Arti! I hope your last year goes by amazingly. I honestly needed to hear a lot of what you just said because I am going through the process of making a decision on commitment of time. Hopefully, I end up with the right decision.
DeleteMuneeb! I didn't know you were in this class! Very cool blog template, by the way.
DeleteI think that it's really cool that you're majoring in Biology and Letters. I think that sometimes the Liberal Arts are undervalued, people assume there's no "practical application." But you're totally right when you say that they teach you to problem-solve. I think Letters also teaches you to understand that nothing is "simply" what it is. SO many factors go into existence and interplay with each other that, in my opinion, the abstract is what gives meaning to the practical.
Anyway, I'm getting all esoteric and weird. I can't wait to read your stories!
Hi Muneeb! I assume your time in college has been nothing short of interesting. Letters and biology are two very, very different majors. However, I think it's so cool that you have decided to pursue both of these degrees so that you can learn as much as possible in college. I guess this is really the time to dive into different things and figure out what you like. It sounds like your summer was super fun! I got to go to Europe for a few weeks last summer and it really did change my mindset a little. I have also heard a lot about the Gathering Place so that is super fun that you got to work there!
ReplyDeleteI saw some of your tweets about writing v. medicine, so I am not at all surprised to see this Biology and Letters double major. Maybe you will be the next Atul Gawande, doing surgery and writing books (I am a huge Gawande fan!). And this is the Gathering Place in Tulsa, is that right? I was reading about that in the news: it sounds amazing. And you are doing the Dunham College thing too; that all sounds so great. I was sorry when Mark Morvant moved on, but I am sure that the Dunham tradition he set in motion will be carrying on! If there are any Dunham events or SGA events or anything going on that you are involved in that I can include in the class announcements, just let me know. I always include some campus event every day in the announcements, and it's the best when those events are connected with people in the class. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Muneeb!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for all your work on the Gathering Place! My family went to the grand opening yesterday and I heard it was amazing. It really looks absolutely beautiful and like everything you stand for. I can't wait to go to Tulsa and check it out, maybe you could give me a tour? I also don't know what I want to do in life and honestly I'm glad someone else out there feels the same way. I think we can figure it out.
Hi Muneeb! Wow, it sounds like your plate is full with all that you're involved in. I understand the feeling of being at odds with your schedule since I am in a similar situation this semester. I also think it's cool that you have two majors that are so different from each other. You sound like you're very well rounded in what you know. Your trip to Europe sounds like it was a lot of fun too. I hope all goes well for you this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi, Muneeb!
ReplyDeleteWow, It is so great to travel and learn at the same time. I bet you so enjoyed that study abroad. Being a double major is very hard, especially with the two differences: Biology and Letter. Double major means you have double workload to handle. But i know you can do the best to get the best result. Good luck with the semester!
Hello Muneeb,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be a very busy person that wasn’t sure what they wanted to do. I was the same. What I could suggest is that you choose the major you like the most and finish it while at the same time not giving up in the other. You could minor in the other major and still be able to apply your knowledge in both. I would also suggest that once done with college to go work for a non-profit organization so that you can give the most to the world around you.
Hi Muneeb!
ReplyDeleteI am sure interning at the Gathering Place was an incredible experience! I have only had time to go to the Gathering Place once so far but it was beyond anything I had imagined Tulsa to create.
I am sure being a Bio and Letters double major has it challenges but I think it is cool you found to very vastly different areas to be interested in.
Good luck on the rest of the semester!
Hi Muneeb!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so cool that you are really involved with all of these things going on. I really like that plus it always looks good on a resume. I lived in Headington last year - if you haven't lived in the residential colleges before I think you will really enjoy it this year. The rooms are nice and the food is delicious - what is there not to love?
I hope you have a good year and enjoy yourself. College is so fun - maybe you will come back for more!
Hi Muneeb! It sounds like you had a very busy summer, going from one place to the next. I can definitely relate...I got my wisdom teeth out the Monday after finals, then had a couple weeks to recover before going on vacation, then turned around and came back to Norman for Camp Crimson for seven weeks, and then had to be back in Norman the day after Camp ended for sorority recruitment!
ReplyDeleteMuneeb,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about not finding a major quite yet. Through your different experiences you have in college and just knowing what you like will help you decide ultimately. Your resume sounds very impressive! I was able to study abroad in Spain for a month and I agree it is very amazing to be around/in other cultures. Keep up the good work and make your legacy!
Hi Muneeb! I admire your dedication and interest in learning as much as you can while in college. Much like you I was unsure of what I wanted to study when I entered college, and honestly I still am trying to seek different types of knowledge else were. I am sure you thoroughly enjoyed Europe for it offers a new type of education. Learning through experiences and exploring other cultures is invaluable to education.
ReplyDeleteHi Muneeb! to your comment on my story that you read this week:
ReplyDeleteThe Tweedle sisters are based of Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. The Tweedle-sisters are related to Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, hence why it is hard to follow them. I did it on purpose, so the reader will feel how confused Ali is. Check out my full storybook: https://sites.google.com/view/the-adventures-of-alice/home
Hi Muneeb, it is nice to “meet” you! I’ve never met someone who had two completely different majors, but I think that is so cool! Traveling aboard definitely makes you more grateful for what you have. I’ve experience this first-hand. I hope you are able to find your true passion and pursue it, I’m sure it will reveal itself sooner than expected.
ReplyDeleteHi Muneeb. It is totally normal that you do not know what you want to do. I feel like there are more people like you than not like you on that aspect. Its cool that you have two fields of studies that are actually so different. I'm sure you have so very different classes that you take. The semester is already almost over but I'm glad I got to stumble upon your page before it ended. Good luck finishing up!
ReplyDeleteHi Muneeb,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a very busy and interesting summer! You also seem to be fairly involved on campus which is great. The amount of motivation you have is honestly impressive. I hope that your semester has gone well so far and that it also ends well.
Muneeb, I loved this post. After finishing reading, I almost feel as if I know you personally. I'm so jealous about the European backpacking trip! I'd love to hear more about it sometime. I think it's so neat that you're so involved here at OU, and I'm sure you touch lives everywhere you go, but especially for your mentees in Dunham. Keep up the good work and go kick butt with finals!
ReplyDeleteHi Muneeb. I like your picture! I think you’ll have a ton of opportunities with major in Biology and letters. It sound like an interesting combination and I think they’re certainly good majors for sure. It must have been fun to travel Europe! Wow.. you’re really involved in school councils. I think they teafch a lot of leadership skills. It’s nice to meet you Muneeb!
ReplyDelete