My father is happy

New Computer Professionals Program student, Ala Fadeel, from Sudan told us recently that his family was quite worried about his safety while he studies in the US.

“My father almost didn't let me come here because he was afraid of violence in America,” Ala said. After being here for two weeks, Ala spoke with his family for a long time on the telephone. “I told my father about my admissions representative, Karla,” he said, “and how people here are peaceful and friendly and not like that drama in movies. Then my father said to me in a joking way, ‘Find me a way to come to Iowa. I want to meet those kind people as soon as possible.’”

Ala said that his father will be especially happy when Ala begins his practical training position at a US company but he hopes the people there are just as friendly. “Perhaps I will get a position at a company like Microsoft where there are already so many M.U.M. students working. Or maybe I will be able to get a job in Iowa.”  A growing number of local employers are hiring Computer Professionals Program students. Twenty-five are currently employed in the region, and over 125 work at Microsoft.

Photo: Some new students in the M.S. in Computer Science program. Ala Fadeel is third from the right.