Maitham Khanafer, an Eastern Michigan University international student from Kuwait, demonstrated his initiative through the foundation of the school’s first Arab Society. His primary goal is to create a community for students with Middle Eastern cultural backgrounds and to also spread awareness. With remarkable success in less than one year, such as gaining over 1,000 followers on social media, organizing events with impressive average attendance rates, and creating an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity, Khanafer took joy knowing he was contributing to EMU’s student involvement and experience.
Founding the EMU Arab Society
Maitham Khanafer, an Eastern Michigan University international student from Kuwait, showed initiative in founding the school’s first Arab Society. His goal is to raise awareness of Middle Eastern culture and provide a community for students with similar backgrounds. He believes that EMU provides a great opportunity to not only learn but also gain valuable experiences. By participating in various activities, students are sure to benefit with personal growth and fulfillment.
In less than a year, Khanafer and co-founder Ahmad Zalt have achieved incredible success for the Arab Society. With their dedication and hard work, they have gained over a thousand followers on social media, as well as organized several events with an average attendance of 50 to 100 people. Their efforts have created an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates Middle Eastern culture and provides a sense of belonging for all involved. Khanafer is proud to have helped create such a vibrant and impactful organization at EMU.
Khanafer was proud to have chosen Eastern Michigan University (EMU) due to its excellent Dietetics program and the opportunity it provided for clinical fieldwork. He was delighted to find a vibrant Arab community at EMU, and knew it was the perfect fit for his academic and professional development. Meeting with Sandy Pernecky, director of the dietetics program, further reassured Khanafer that EMU was the right choice, and he has not been disappointed since.
Khanafer quickly found his footing at EMU, taking on the role of campus tour guide and connecting with students from all cultures. He has since taken his passion for international relations to a whole new level, creating a scholarship to attract Middle Eastern students to become ambassadors for their region. His dedication and commitment to helping others have enabled him to create a lasting legacy at EMU.
Khanafer is determined to use his education and experience to make a difference in the medical field, with aspirations to work as a clinical dietitian for critically ill patients. His personal narrative of losing his grandfather due to complications from diabetes and kidney disease drives him to help those experiencing similar conditions. Moreover, his love for sports has fueled his desire to explore the world of sports nutrition and be part of an athlete’s success.
Khanafer is passionate about assisting international students to realize their aspirations at EMU and make their creative ideas a reality. He looks forward to helping these students not only adapt, but also thrive in the U.S. lifestyle.
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Eastern Michigan University has been a leader in delivering quality education since its founding in 1849. Today, over 14,000 students are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions, with more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations offered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. EMU is highly regarded for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education, as evidenced by its recognition in national publications. If you want to learn more about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website or check out EMU Today for news and announcements.
Maitham Khanafer’s dream of establishing a vibrant Arab Society at Eastern Michigan University has become a reality. He is proud to have overcome the challenges and create a meaningful organization that celebrates Middle Eastern culture and provides a supportive home for EMU students from all different backgrounds. In addition to poster events and social media success, Khanafer’s passion for pursuing his fieldwork with excellence through the university’s dietetics program fully makes EMU an ideal learning ground for him. We congratulate him on successfully spearheading the formation of EMU’s first Arab Society and wish him the best on all of his future endeavors.
