Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Kismot Kamal
Nov. 29, 2021
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“Commencement Spotlight” highlights SHSU's upcoming graduates with stories from Bearkats that demonstrate a “can-do” spirit through challenges and service. Visit today@sam/commencementspotlight to read more.
Kismot Kamal
Lagos, Nigeria
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
As a first-generation student from Lagos, Nigeria, adjusting to college life wasn’t easy for Kismot Kamal. Although finance and transportation difficulties made it hard while working several jobs, that didn’t stop her from fulling her dream of earning a degree in healthcare administration from Sam Houston State University.
“Overall, I am grateful for these challenges because they have shown me that I can overcome any obstacle,” she said.
At the start of her college career, Kamal worked in guest services at a Christian camp and served in a local food pantry as an administrative assistant. She later secured work on campus and served as a student assistant in the history department, programming director for the Center of Diversity & Intercultural Affairs, student assistant for the College of Arts and Media and a tutor in the Academic Success Center.
“Through SHSU’s Career Success Center, I was able to navigate the different careers in my major and ultimately get a head start on working on my career goals.”
In addition to an impressive resume, Kamal’s academic achievement is equally remarkable. She is a McNair Scholar, recipient of the Honors Ambassador Choice Award and a member of several prestigious groups—SHSU Honors College, Honors Ambassador program, Chi Alpha College Ministry, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, College of Health Science Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Student Action.
“The Honors College has helped me step out of my comfort zone and given me the confidence to take on more leadership roles and be more involved on campus,” she said.
On top of all the hard work, Kamal also managed to fulfill her civic duty of service in true Bearkat spirit.
“For Bearkat All Paws In weekend of volunteer service, a group of us went to Conroe to clean up the SAAFE house that had just gone through a fire disaster,” she said. “I also volunteered weekly for a local food pantry one year. This past summer, I volunteered and interned for the American Red Cross where I partnered with fire departments to help install fire alarms in homes and helped with casework.”
Her desire to help others is also a part of her career mission. Now, with her degree complete, she is ready to pursue a dual master’s in public health and international affairs
“I want to build a program to help migrants and refugees, specifically women, get better access to healthcare.”
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