When most international students are asked about their experience of studying in India, they think of the track ‘Summer of 69’. Ayesha Mussa, a 1st year BA in Culinary Arts student, confirmed the same by recollecting her initial days at Manipal. Though she hails from the beautiful island of Zanzibar, which is off the East African coast, she has a close and long connection with India.
Having completed her schooling in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, the idea to pursue higher studies in India came to Ayesha quite naturally. “It all started way back when my elder siblings completed their education here in India. So technically we were already a part of this wonderful country. My parents just love India, which is the reason they wanted me to study here,” revealed Ayesha.
Home away from home
Every student swears that the enchanting magic of Manipal, and the beauty surrounding the campus, makes it a unique study destination. A generous monsoon spell can wash away the homesickness, while the greenery just uplifts the mood. Ayesha shared, “Honestly, the first five months of my stay at Manipal were a bit difficult because it was a different environment, but now I absolutely love it here! The people and just the general vibe of the place made me fall in love with Manipal even more.”
Marking her attendance at every Manipal must-see destination, Ayesha said “I have visited popular places like the Hanging bridge, Malpe beach, and Kapu beach. Manipal is not a small place to go around; the more I saw it, the more I felt at ease.”
Since her hometown of Zanzibar is full of scenic settings, Ayesha felt at home every time she saw the sea. Her fondest memories were watching the sun set over Kapu beach as the sky turned into a slideshow of vibrant colours. In her own words, “It was surreal. I grew up on an island so being on the beach made me feel at home.”
Let there be light
Every year, the Manipal Lighthouse event invites artists from diverse backgrounds to come and collaborate on the majestic backdrop of a lighthouse watching over the sea. The event also encourages creative collaboration amongst Manipal students in various artistic disciplines.
Sharing her experience at the Lighthouse event conducted by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Ayesha spoke about the joy of working with art students. The art and creativity that she witnessed there inspired her to capture some great shots at the event. “I had never done a professional photo shoot. This could be a new start for me, you never know. So I thank Manipal Academy of Higher Education for giving me the opportunity,” she added.
Ayesha also recently featured in a national ad campaign for the Academy. “I felt honored to be a part of the national ad campaign. It felt like I was spreading the Academy’s message to every corner of India. My parents were really excited when I told them about it. They were glad to see how quickly I had caught on to things. They are more than proud to see where I’m going.”
Ayesha believes that her future is headed in the right direction at Manipal. The dynamic curriculum, diverse culture and friendly environment of Manipal make her feel at home, away from home.
