A Conversation with Minerva Student Tehseen Bukhari

‍What drew you to apply and enroll at Minerva?

I was captivated by Minerva's holistic and immersive experience, which I believe is the perfect transition into adulthood. The opportunity to join a tight-knit community of international peers excited me, knowing it would broaden my perspective and hopefully foster long-term friendships. Additionally, Minerva's innovative curriculum emphasizes practical application through engaging assignments and in-class activities, ensuring that the concepts I learn are applicable in real life and academics. This unique combination of academic rigor, real-world experience, and a supportive international community made Minerva the ideal choice for my educational journey.

As a Minerva student, you have likely participated in various student programming and extracurricular activities. Could you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences and how they have enriched your education?

We participated in a staff-led experience where our task was to do gardening in an orchard on Alcatraz Island. I had the opportunity to meet an amazing woman who was leading the project and had dedicated 12 years of her life, to completely transforming the island from a deserted place to a beautiful park. During our conversations, I learned about her passion for environmental conservation and some of the impressive work she had done for the place. Her drive and resilience toward her interests influenced my interest in the Natural Sciences major, which at that moment I was contemplating on pursuing. These types of conversations and experiences allow us Minervans to look beyond the realm of academia and learn from the community through our staff-led experiences which I greatly appreciate! 

What are some professional opportunities you participated in that have complemented your Minerva education? 

One of the opportunities I appreciated the most happened while working on my Cornerstone Civic Project (CCP). In short, my team developed 3D intestinal organoids through z-stack imaging. This not only helped me acquire hands-on research experience but also broadened my knowledge and network. I am truly grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work alongside passionate peers and mentors from whom I was able to learn a lot. 

How has Minerva’s experiential learning influenced your future career goals or aspirations?

A great example would be the location-based assignments that have allowed me to put my learning to the test in the real world. In one of the first Formal Analysis assignments, we had to analyze the underlying arguments of street advertisements. Analyzing commercials from a logical point of view changed my entire perception of how I interpret advertisements now. Minerva has truly broadened my interpretation and perception skills through its experiential learning and educational system.  

In your opinion, what sets a Minerva education apart from traditional universities, and how do you envision the value of your Minerva degree in your postgraduate and professional journey?

Minerva’s meticulously crafted curriculum integrates essential skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and communication into core academic subjects. This approach, combined with practical assignments and in-class activities, ensures students can apply academic and real-world knowledge effectively. I envision my Minerva degree providing a strong foundation for postgraduate studies and a competitive edge in my professional journey by equipping me with versatile, practical skills essential for success in any field.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to Minerva?

Do not overthink it! You are a risk taker, willing to take a bet on yourself because you value growth, learning, and struggle! Start your application ASAP!

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If you were inspired by Tehseen's story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.