From a very young age, Mariam Almitawah had a clear vision of her future, she wanted to study in the United States. Growing up in Kuwait in a nurturing family environment, Mariam’s aspirations were always met with encouragement. “My parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything with dedication and hard work. When I was just seven years old, I declared to my father that I would one day study in the U.S., a dream that seemed as vast as the oceans separating Kuwait from the United States.”
The push to make her dream a reality was motivation from her sister, an alumna from Portland State. Mariam came to visit her one summer, spending three months exploring Portland. She truly fell in love with both the city and the university. The atmosphere and vibrant community felt like a beacon of opportunities. Mariam says, “After witnessing the engaging environment and innovative spirit at PSU, I was convinced that there was no better place for me to pursue my studies.”
Along with studying biochemistry, Mariam was driven to study business because of her fascination with the field’s impact on the world. Business is pivotal in shaping societies; it’s about innovation, strategy, and most importantly making change. Mariam saw the dynamic nature of what business could do, not only for personal growth, but also the ability to contribute to societal progress.
“PSU’s reputation for having an outstanding business school sealed my decision, as I knew it would provide me with the tools to succeed on a global scale.”
Throughout her time at PSU, Mariam learned more than just the fundamentals of business management and economics. The most significant takeaway for Mariam has been the importance of resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in both personal development and business landscape. Mariam found that the opportunity to study abroad teaches you the art of navigating new cultures and environments, which is invaluable in today’s globalized world.
Studying abroad was a learning curve for Mariam as she had to learn how to adapt and understand different educational styles. Through the challenges it helped her grow into a more competent and confident individual.
For future students, Mariam advises to dive into the world of business and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. She says,
“College is a pivotal time for growth and learning. Be it internships, networking events, or extracurricular activities, each experience enriches your understanding and prepares you for the complexities of the business world. Always remember, the path to achieving your dreams is not linear. It requires persistence, courage, and an open mind.”
Mariam specifically advises students who want to study abroad to remember that stepping out of your comfort zone may be daunting but is incredibly rewarding.
“The experiences you’ll gain are irreplaceable and will arm you with a perspective that is diverse and inclusive. Take that step towards your dreams, as the world is wide and filled with possibilities.”
Mariam is continuing her journey by following her dream of pursuing her MBA at The School of Business to enhance her skills and prepare for her future challenges.
Ali Esteghlalian, adjunct business professor, says,
“Mariam Almitawah has been an excellent student, a wonderful human being, and a rising star among the international students that have been in my class during 2021-2024 at PSU, in terms of her in-class performance, her ambition for advancing her education, and her inspiring entrepreneurial ideas & plans. Mariam has a pleasant and warm personality and excels in all aspects of her professional work. She has all the necessary ingredients for becoming a strong business leader. She has a solid character judging by how effectively she handled some of the personal challenges that she had to deal with, works with others respectfully and effectively, and excels in her personal academic work. She has a courteous, yet warm and approachable presence, and has ambitious goals and aspirations that would lead her to a brilliant future. She will be a great role model for other women in the world of international business, especially in the global Muslim community, where such high-caliber characters can serve as mentor and source of inspiration for other women, both in the United States and in the Middle East. I think very highly of Mariam, and look forward to seeing her soar in the world of business through achieving her positively ambitious educational and entrepreneurial goals.”