Asif is in the College of Arts and Sciences from The Bronx, New York, studying political science and economics. Growing up in a diverse, working-class neighborhood and graduating from the New York City public school system, Asif has immersed himself in a multitude of cultures — including his own Bangladeshi immigrant community — and experienced the power of cross-cultural understanding firsthand. He hopes that Paideia will equip him with the necessary tools of dialogue and communication to further his desire to connect and empathize with people from other backgrounds.
So far, Asif’s studies in the College have led him to focus on improving the livelihoods of people from under resourced communities and on overcoming the structural barriers that have led to the inequitable outcomes of today. He places a special emphasis on urban poverty and widening income inequality, as these are the two issues in contemporary society that he has witnessed the most often. To fulfill this mission, Asif plans to pursue a career in law — either immigration, civil rights, or human rights law — or public service.
At Penn, Asif is involved with Penn Bangla and the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project — you might also find him manning the Pottruck front desk! Outside of school, he enjoys reading, trying different cuisines, taking long walks, and cheering on the Knicks, Giants, Yankees, and Chelsea FC!