By senior year [of high school], I decided that I needed to get a more common name just so that I could eliminate factors of implicit prejudice that I believe exist. About Alex in particular, I just really like the name, it flows and the "x" puts a little bit of exotic-ness in it; not really, but I like to pretend. Moreover, it goes really well with the rest of my name. My whole name now means something like Eternal (Zaman) Shooting Star of Justice (Saaqib), Protector of Humanity (Alex).
Where are you from?
I was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Do you have any siblings?
I have one brother, Samir. He's in sixth grade, and he's a miniature me.
Do you have a favorite professor?
That's hard, and to be diplomatic, I probably won't reply to this. But I will tell you that I think it's awesome how professors are always readily available and really amiable. My favorite ones are the ones that grade me well.
What has been your favorite class here?
Probably Japanese, just because I love the language so much.
What did you do this past summer?
I interned at [inhales] Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation [gasps for breath]. It's a financial not-for-profit firm which basically issues bonds to banks and hooks farm banks up with money to help farmers out. Think Fannie Mae for farmers. Besides that I hung out with friends a lot and continued going to my jujitsu class that I took in high school. Those were good times.
Where are you living this year and how do you like it?
Moore 319. It's a great dorm-convenient location, greatest roommate ever, not cramped 'cause of how we did our furniture. I do wish, however, that [people on] the floor were more outgoing with each other and that Verizon worked in the dorm. In those respects I miss second floor South [where I lived last year].
I can't help but notice your bulging forearms and throbbing pecs. What's your secret?
Well, I don't really work out, so the closest thing would be my martial arts stuff. I really just started like the year before last, but I've spent a lot of time on Google and martial arts forums on the Internet so I can talk like I've been doing martial arts for a long time. Karate here is insanely good so I suggest that everyone who wants a taxing but very enjoyable time join it; it might just be 'cause I'm slightly masochistic though. Jujitsu's my first and favorite art, though, and I definitely miss wrestling, arm/wrist locks, and choking.
Have you chosen a major?
I was thinking economics, but then I realized I don't want to be an economic analyst. If I went into business, I could major in anything and be fine. I also really like biology and it's a lot more useful. Ideally, if there was a marketing class, I'd go for that as my second major, but I guess it's biology for now. I'm also going to take Japanese until the end and more psych courses and then some, 'cause I'm eclectic like that.
I've noticed that in your free time you participate in ballroom dancing, sailing, and work for Campus Delivery. Would I be able to call in for an evening of dining and dancing aboard your yacht?
Depends on how much you're willing to pay. But it could probably be done for the right price, in the right time frame. Also, you'd have to dance the girl's part 'cause I don't think I know that.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
No.