Student Spotlight

Ashrafeen Zysk

Newport News, VA

From Humble Beginnings to Academic Success

Ashrafeen Zysk's (BSHS '24, ASCJ '16) journey with the University of Management and Technology (UMT) is nothing short of inspirational. Born on the small island of Fiji and raised in a family that couldn’t afford to pay her high school fees, Ashrafeen never imagined she would one day earn a bachelor's degree, let alone pursue a master's. As a military veteran, Ashrafeen was drawn to UMT because of its reputation for providing excellent academic programs and unparalleled support tailored to the needs of military personnel and veterans. "I chose UMT because of the great quality of education they offer. The support and resources available to students at UMT are unmatched, making it the perfect environment for me to excel," Ashrafeen explained.

After serving 20 years in the military, Ashrafeen faced the challenge of adjusting to civilian life. Struggling with sleep patterns post-retirement, she found UMT's flexible assignment submission setup to be a lifesaver, allowing her to balance her studies with her responsibilities at home and work. The flexibility to study at her own pace also enabled her to excel academically while launching a small grilling business—turning her passion for cooking into a new venture. "Cooking is my passion, and I have been able to cook many different types of food," Ashrafeen proudly shared.

Completing her degree at UMT has opened doors to better job opportunities, including roles as an Immigration Agent, Intelligence Analyst, and Emergency Management Specialist. Ashrafeen believes her UMT education has been invaluable, not only providing her with the skills and knowledge, but also contributing to personal growth and self-confidence. "Completing my degree offers skill development, valuable knowledge, and inspired me to launch a small business,” Ashrafeen noted.

Reflecting on the entire journey, Ashrafeen expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities provided by UMT. "I am so grateful for the opportunity UMT has given me to study and graduate from their school," Ashrafeen expressed. Growing up on a small island in Fiji to a poor family, Ashrafeen never imagined that earning a bachelor's degree would be possible. "I remember I couldn’t get my high school diploma because my parents couldn’t afford to pay my school fees. But today, I am graduating with a bachelor's degree with plans to pursue my master's. Thank you, UMT!" Ashrafeen shared, reflecting on the remarkable journey from humble beginnings to academic success.

"My journey with UMT has transformed my life, opening doors I never thought possible. From launching my own business to gaining invaluable skills, UMT has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my dreams and achieve success."


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