Finding confidence, community through helping others feel at home at UB

UB student Maha Mir came to the university from Zimbabwe because she was ready for something new. Having grown up in a smaller city, she was drawn to the idea of a big campus where she could challenge herself and discover who she wanted to be. Three years later, she’s doing exactly that — learning, leading and giving back to the university.

Mir found her confidence and community through helping others feel at home at UB. Beyond working as a tutor, peer mentor and campus tour guide, she also co-founded the International Undergraduate Student Association — which she now serves as president — to help students like herself find friends, support and True Blue spirit.

“So many parts of UB are filled with people who have big hearts,” Mir says. “That makes me proud because I know that I’m affiliated with that, and I know that when people look at me, that’s what they’ll think, as well.”

A School of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, Mir is studying computer science and is interested in ethics and artificial intelligence. She hopes to use her UB education to make a positive impact — combining her curiosity for technology with her care for people.