The idea of learning through experimentation drew Zaki to Penn College. Originally from Pakistan and self-taught in music, photography, and film, he was eager to grow as a creative professional and refine his technical skills. The hands-on learning environment at Penn College has allowed him to express his artistic vision while gaining real-world experience. Today, he’s thriving in his coursework and building his resume as an Admissions Tour Guide.
Home is where the heart is! And my heart is with my family, so home will always be Pakistan. I deeply miss my loved ones and friends back home, the rawness and the culture and beautiful landscapes of Pakistan, but the Penn College community has been incredibly welcoming. It’s given me a sense of belonging that makes being here feel like a second home. Also, I am planning to explore scenic spots in Pennsylvania.
When I first saw the campus, everything was white with snow. It felt like a scene from a movie. What really stood out to me were the amazing tech labs and resources everywhere. The Madigan Library especially caught my eye, as it not only adds value with its academic resources, but it’s also one of the most beautiful buildings on campus.
Williamsport is a scenic city, especially with the campus near the river walk. I've seen the transition from extreme winters to blooming spring, and it is beautiful. Also, I love how Victorian architecture can be seen in a lot of old infrastructure around Millionaires Row.
In my free time, I love exploring my creative side. I’m a self-taught multi-instrumentalist with a deep, unexplainable passion for music, so I often find myself playing the guitar or producing new sounds. Sometimes I’ll spend golden hour out with my camera, capturing moments and exploring places spontaneously, or unwind by watching a good movie or documentary.
I really enjoyed my digital photography course last semester. It gave me a deeper understanding of how to approach a subject using different techniques, how to work with light, and how to Create prints of my work. As someone new to this country, Camera worked as a bridge, and helped me connect with many people, stories, and emotions. Taking photos of people turned into a great way to meet new faces and start building a network.
There’s a lot I love to do; music has always been my first love since childhood. I enjoyed playing instruments and recording original songs. It is hard to pick just one path or try to do everything at once, but I do have a dream job in mind. My dream job is one where I can blend all of my creative passions–music, photography, and design into meaningful work. I imagine myself working as a multimedia creative director or music producer, where I can lead projects that connect people emotionally through visuals, sound, and design. Whether it's building brand identities, directing music videos, or creating digital art that sparks conversation, I want to do work that feels authentic and leaves a lasting impact.
Pakistan is known for its spicy and tasty food, and it’s hard to pick just one favorite because I love many dishes. My top five from home are Nihari, Gulab Jamun, Samosas, Pulao, and Ladoo Peethi. From the US, I really like mushroom soup, waffles, and cheese pizza.
"Penn College is a great place to learn and grow. The campus is welcoming, and there are lots of resources to help new students adjust and excel. It’s also a chance to meet people from all over the world and make new friends."
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