The Hamid family moved to the United States in 1989 and resided in New Haven for a number of years before moving to Hamden in 1993. Shortly after coming to the United States, the Hamid family started a family daycare service, which has now been running for over 25 years. First born, Salman and sister, Amna were the first members of their immediate family to get a college degree. Salman received a B.A. in History in 2007 and Amna received a B.A. in Psychology in 2010 from Albertus Magnus College. Their younger brother, Tayyeb, who was the first to be born in the United States, is now a first year student in the Fall of 2019. Salman has been involved in various capacities in education for over 12 years in the Connecticut school system. He is a community activist and volunteer in the city of Hamden and is married with two children. Amna has served as a Special Education educator for at-risk students for two years and is married with two children. Tayyeb is the third sibling to be accepted to Albertus. He is a volunteer with Hamden CERT, Clean and Green, and Hamden Police Explorers.
You were the first member of the family to come to Albertus as a student. Can you tell us why you selected Albertus?
Salman: Being the first member in my direct family to not only attend college, but to make a choice of a four-year institution was no easy task. Going out of state wasn’t an option at the time. High on the list, and the reason why our parents brought us to America, was to get a quality education. After investigating institutions in Connecticut, Albertus Magnus College fit the requirements. Rave reviews, a wide variety of educational opportunities, and economic flexibility for an immigrant family, small class sizes, and individualized attention. I have not regretted my decision in choosing Albertus ever.
You followed in your brother’s footsteps and decided to come to Albertus. Can you tell us how you decided Albertus was the right school for you?
Amna: After seeing my brother thrive at Albertus Magnus College, I decided it would be the best opportunity for me as well. I enjoyed the close-knit community vibe and the joy of not feeling overwhelmed. I believe I would’ve felt like another number in a larger institution, whereas at Albertus, I felt like I was treated like an individual.
What were some experiences you had as a student that helped shape your career path?
Salman: I fell in love with the Humanities, specifically History. At the same time, the Education program had just gotten approval and my advisor and professors said to me that I would be a very good fit for the program. They certainly did not steer me in the wrong direction and the recommendation was made because of them knowing me on a personalized level. 12+ years in various school systems in a variety of roles and I haven’t regretted it one bit. The rest, you can say, is history!
Amna: I didn’t know what major or career path I wanted to take but with the professors here— I really learned what I wanted to do. It surprised me, but I actually enjoyed helping students with a variety of abilities as an educator.
What is your fondest memory as a student at Albertus?
Salman: The bonds and friendships I built over the years with peers as well as faculty. Great educators like Dr. Imholt, Dr. Jorgenson, Dr. Tronsky, Dr. Veth, and Dr. Venditto all assisted in helping me find my passion at Albertus. The saying is true, ‘if you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’
Amna: Having Dr. Coffey and Dr. Yeaman as professors. Dr. Yeaman’s classes really made me realize I wanted to minor in Sociology and assist future generations in need.
You are now the third member of the Hamid family to be an Albertus student. You will be starting this Fall as a member of the largest incoming class in Albertus’ 94 year history. What made you select Albertus? What are you most looking forward to as a college student and as a Falcon?
Tayyeb: Hearing the experiences from both of my older siblings about Albertus’ community and the excellent advisors and educators. The professors who also teach in my field are former police officers and have field experience, which puts me at a higher advantage. As an incoming Falcon freshman, I am looking forward to a new fresh start and everything that comes with it. Meeting my new peers and faculty, focusing on my field of interest, cheering on new sports teams, and tackling whatever is thrown in my direction over the next four years.
Albertus Magnus has a long and proud history of serving diverse student populations – from socio-economic status, faith communities, racial and ethnic backgrounds and gender. In 1925, Albertus started as a women’s only college, when most schools were not even available to women. Your family’s story is part of our broader historical fabric and legacy. What was your experience coming into a College rooted in such history?
“As an incoming Falcon freshman, I am looking forward to a new fresh start and everything that comes with it.”
Salman: It was an honor and pleasure attending Albertus Magnus College. One good indicator of any institution is that it is accepting of all walks of life no matter your race, religion, or economic background. We never felt out of place or unsafe during our collective eight years. Albertus was and has been a second home to us.
Any advice you’d like to give your brother as he starts his journey at Albertus?
Salman: Unlike our personal experiences, you will have more support at home as well as continued support at school. A little poster I’ve kept with me over the past 15 years is a quote by Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, which never rang more true, “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”
Amna: Always ask for help. At Albertus, you’ll learn that professor’s doors are open, making you feel that you are always welcome to have a conversation or even ask for guidance. Do not procrastinate. You will, and we all know you will, but don’t do it!