EMU Today

YPSILANTI - “It was destiny to come back after 30-plus years,” said Nadia Arafah, a second-generation international student who followed in her mother’s footsteps to attend Eastern Michigan University.

From a young age, Arafah was mesmerized by color, drawing, and patterns and could one day envision herself being successful in her career. Arafah attended college in Saudi Arabia, earning her bachelor’s degree in home economics. Inspired by her mother, an EMU alumnus, Arafah migrated to the U.S. on scholarship with no family or friends and basic knowledge of the English language to continue her studies. But Arafah’s academic journey wasn’t clear of challenges and would test her primary objective to pursue her dream of obtaining a doctorate of technology focused on interior design.

The first semester was extraordinarily challenging for Arafah, who was born in the U.S. but was impacted by culture shock, homesickness, and loneliness. Those feelings developed over time into chronic depression and anxiety.

“In the beginning, everything was new and strange,” said Arafah. “It was taboo to talk about mental issues in my culture.” She hit one of her lowest points when she stopped eating and went into isolation. “I didn't want my family back at home to see that I'm weak and that I could attend to my challenges,” said Arafah. “I just wanted to prove myself to them.” Arafah eventually found the strength to seek help from local social workers and a psychiatrist.

With support from her health team and a strong focus on improving her mental health, Arafah kept her eyes on her goals. She pushed herself to be a straight-A student and an active participant in the community, attending interior design-related conferences on EMU’s behalf. Arafah also found a passion for volunteering for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Arafah's hard work paid off, and she graduated with her master’s degree in interior design. In 2011, Arafah felt it was destiny because she met her husband at EMU and married in 2017. She credits her husband for giving her the strength and energy to overcome her educational challenges. 

Yet, in 2020, while she was working on her dissertation research, she had several primary health conditions which required several urgent medical procedures. In 2021, she experienced a high-risk pregnancy followed by severe postpartum depression. At the end of the same year, she tested positive for COVID-19, and her husband lost his job as a loan officer. She had to work multiple jobs to support her family and prioritize financially supporting the family over finishing her doctorate in five years, as she had planned. 

Despite having health issues, a full-time job as a manager of interior design at the facilities department at Washtenaw Community College, and being a wife and a mom, Arafah is finally graduating with a Ph.D. in interior design.

“My parents' prayers, my husband's support, and my son's giggles gave me the extra push to cross the finish line ultimately,” said Arafah. “The EMU community helped me tremendously through my academic journey, especially my academic advisors, Professors Shinming Shyu and Suleiman Ashur. They offered me all kinds of support between academic advising, following up with my progress, and meeting regularly to answer all my questions. Their help and guidance are so much appreciated.”

Arafah plans to teach in academia. Her message to students going through similar challenges is never to give up. “ Keep your eyes on your prize, be strong and persistent, and remember that all the challenges you will face are worth building a bright future.” 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.