Major: Computer and Information Science
When Naila Sabahat began taking classes, she did so without visiting campus due to COVID-19.
As a result, she knew very little about COD beyond her coursework and was unaware of the many opportunities available to students, even during a pandemic.
“I was not involved, and I wanted to become an active student,” she said. “A lot of people were not aware of what was happening at COD, especially new students.”
Sabahat began attending Student Leadership Council (SLC) meetings to learn more about the College and discovered a group of students engaged with the campus, even though they were doing so remotely. Then she ran for the position of Student Trustee on the College’s Board of Trustees and was elected. In that role, she provided updates to the Board on student needs and activities while reporting back to the SLC.
“I want to be a voice for the students,” she said. “For example, the SLC discussed how the federal relief funds that the College received due to COVID-19 could best help students. I brought our thoughts to the Board in order to help them understand the student perspective on this important financial support issue.”
COD offers so many opportunities to get involved and be heard.
Naila Sabahat
Sabahat, who currently is SLC vice president, initially planned to attend COD because she had taken dual credit courses provided by COD at her high school. These influenced her to be a part of COD and complete her general education requirements for transfer. In the midst of COVID-19, it was the best decision she made.
As she began to learn more about the College, Sabahat realized everything it had to offer.
“The diversity is amazing,” she said. “When I went to meetings, I knew I wanted to be a part of COD.”
Sabahat is currently in the Computer and Information Science program and plans to transfer to Lewis University through the 3+1 program. As for on-campus involvement, Sabahat encourages any student to contact her or reach out to the SLC.
“We want our peers to be included and to understand what is happening at COD,” she said. “COD offers so many opportunities to get involved and be heard. I am happy that my journey at COD has led to so many positive experiences.”
Learn more about the Computer and Information Science program at College of DuPage