Spooky season is around the corner, and for sophomore Rayisa Islam, scary movies and dressing up represent the most exciting time of the year. The distinct memories of trick-or-treating flood her mind with excitement and anticipation for what she calls the “best holiday.”
The youngest in her family, Rayisa describes her childhood as “chaotic, fun, and memorable.” She recalls spending her days going to the local neighborhood park and riding her bike. Looking back at her younger self, Rayisa recalls, with a laugh, “I wasn’t the best child growing up, always crying.”
Growing up in a Bangladeshi household, she has grown to appreciate the countless examples her family has set for a successful education. Rayisa’s older sister, Rasmin, currently attends the University of Maryland, (UMD), majoring in Engineering. She notes, "Her work ethic inspires me to work harder.” Rayisa hopes to stay in-state after graduation, with plans of following in her sister’s footsteps and attending a Maryland school.
Although Rayisa’s path may seem close to home, she wishes to travel the world. “The best place I’ve ever visited is Bangladesh, because I was able to reunite with my family members,” Rayisa recalls. The joys of discovering her home country sparked her interest in seeing what the rest of the world offers. Her dream destination is Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates known for its luxurious lifestyle surrounded by the glitz of the flashing night lights. She believes traveling is a hobby that brings her peace, a goal for Rayisa to achieve in the years to come.
While Rayisa enjoys branching out of her comfort zone, she considers herself an introvert. “My personality can change depending on who I’m with, but I’ve always found myself to be calm,” she emphasizes. Her homebody nature has led to the love of new hobbies; drawing, binge watching the Hunger Games series, and finding the next album to listen to on repeat for the next few months.
Currently, the song “Bed Chem” from Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Short n’ Sweet has been on constant replay. “Sabrina’s pop music style gets me going,” Rayisa highlights. A song to summarize her life right now is “I’m A Mess” by Bebe Rexha. “I feel like something new happens every day, and I never know what to expect.”
By: Samantha Tewodros
