KGSP Convocation - An Advisor’s Perspective

The KGSP Convocation is not just an annual highlight for students, but for staff as well. For the Program’s Advisors, it is an opportunity to see the growth and development of students from year to year, enrich their experiences, and make connections across cohorts. KGSP Advisor Huzaifa Potia worked closely with KGSP Foundation Year students from 2017(?) – 2025, and he reflects on how he drew inspiration from reconnecting with his former students who are now undergraduates and alumni. 

Each KGSP Convocation carries its own energy, and attending my eighth event in Washington DC reminded me of the deep sense of history and connection I now carry into the space.   

One of the most meaningful parts of the convocation is reconnecting with my former Foundation Year students and hearing the stories that shaped their past year. Shaden Almodhy, now a junior at the University of Illinois, spoke with pride about representing KAUST at a supercomputing conference in St. Louis, sharing how the experience helped her understand the value of networking. Abdullah Alshubrumi, now a sophomore at NYU, described an unforgettable road trip across America, including the awe of seeing grizzly bears in their natural habitat at Glacier National Park. I also had the chance to check in with an alumna navigating her second year of a PhD at KAUST, Zainab Al Hubail, who reflected on the growth that came with advanced research. In another conversation, Muath Alghamdi, a junior, shared how running through Boston and Cambridge became a source of resilience during difficult academic moments during his time at MIT. Each story painted a powerful picture of students who continue to grow far beyond the classroom.  

Another highlight of the convocation was the privilege of co-presenting a mentorship session for KGSP freshmen alongside my colleague, Nick Willon. The session created a space where new students could hear directly from alumni and be inspired by those who had once been in their shoes. The freshman left that session reminded how impactful mentorship can be, and how important it is for students to feel supported by a community that understands their path.  

On the final day of the event, I was able to celebrate my NC State Foundation Year students from KGSP’s Cohort 13 as graduates of institutions such as Virginia Tech, RPI, CU Boulder, UIUC, the University of Maryland, and UCLA. Having known them since they first arrived in the US in 2021, it was incredibly inspiring to witness the culmination of their hard work and growth as part of the broader KGSP community. 

After eight years, what stays with me most is the sense that this is more than a program; it’s a community that continues to evolve while staying deeply connected.  

Congratulations to KGSP’s Class of 2026!