Aspiring school teacher looks out for others

"I came here not knowing anyone, and I'll be leaving here knowing all sorts of wonderful people-from the custodians and lunch ladies to classmates and professors."

Huma Farook is a people person-which translates several ways.

"I've always been interested in how people interact with one another," the 23-year-old, Purdue University Calumet, senior sociology major said. "I used to go to the mall with my mom, and we would just watch people."

Purdue Calumet Professor of Sociology Alan Spector, who Farook credits with stimulating her interest in sociology, goes further in describing her interest, involvement and concern for others.

"Huma Farook represents the best in community activism and world citizenship," he said. "In addition to being a fine student, she has served the community in many ways as an advocate and activist for social justice, from organizing blood testing for bone marrow donors to planning campus forums on racism and on militarism, to organizing the collection of 1200 pairs of shoes donated to poor people in developing countries, to spending countless hours tutoring other students."

Farook expects to participate with some 450 members of her graduation class during Purdue Calumet Fall Commencement exercises Dec. 20 (6 p.m.) at the Radisson Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. There, she will offer the traditional "graduate response" on behalf of her class.

The Hammond resident; Skokie, Ill. native and daughter of two educators, including Purdue Calumet Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology Omer Farook, admits to having "always wanted to be" a schoolteacher. She plans to begin that career after completing a second baccalaureate degree-in secondary education-next fall.

"Having a sociology background while not being the greatest student in high school will help me understand my students better, as well as help them learn subject matter and incorporate it into their lives," said Farook, who substitute teaches in the Hammond School System.

Said Spector, "As she continues her education and becomes a professional educator, she will continue to set an example as the kind of graduate that Purdue University Calumet produces-committed to excellence in education and committed to service to the community."

After graduating from Niles West High School in Skokie, Farook went on to attend an Illinois State university and an Illinois community college before arriving three years ago at Purdue Calumet, whose child center she attended as a pre-schooler.

"I came here not knowing anyone, and I'll be leaving here knowing all sorts of wonderful people-from the custodians and lunch ladies to classmates and professors," she said. "After attending other schools, I appreciate the fact the professors here at Purdue Calumet take time to learn their students' names and get to know them as people."

Farook has been active on campus as a freshman orientation leader, supplemental instructor, Upward Bound instructor and as president of Purdue Calumet's Social Justice student organization.

Asked what she values most about her Purdue Calumet experience, she said, "The opportunity to interact with a wide range of people in real life situations. I've gotten to know people who are determined to get their education while working one or more jobs, taking care of their families and facing other challenges. The people here are incredible."