Profile from the Pack: Hassan Hashmi

Hassan Hashmi’s journey to Madison College encompasses thousands of miles and many cultures. Born in California and raised in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Hashmi returned to the U.S. to pursue his education, bringing with him a passion for animal science inspired by time spent on his family’s dairy farm. Now serving as the Madison College District Board student liaison, a former vice president of the Student Senate, and the current vice president of the Muslim Student Association, Hashmi draws on his experiences as an international student to support others and help build a sense of community on campus.

You have a fascinating background. How many languages do you speak?
​I was born in Riverside, California, but I grew up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Arabic was my first language, Urdu was my second and English became my third.

What is it like being trilingual?
​Speaking multiple languages opens your mind. It changes the way you understand people, culture, and respect. Sometimes I even study science concepts in Arabic to better understand them. ​If I see someone at the hospital who doesn’t speak English, I’m happy to translate. Being able to help people like that is very powerful.

What do you miss most about life in Saudi Arabia?
​I miss the food a lot, but I also miss the family gatherings. Every Friday, we would sit together with my grandmother and eat a very traditional meal. It reminds me of home.

How did your upbringing influence your career goals?
​I grew up visiting our family dairy farm almost every week. I was always around cows, goats, and chickens, and I started getting curious about animal health — why animals get sick, how milk is processed and how important veterinarians are on farms.

Why did you decide to study in Wisconsin and attend Madison College?
​I didn’t know anything about Wisconsin at first – I didn’t even know how to spell it. But my dad told me it’s one of the top states for the dairy industry and more affordable than places like California or New York. Madison College had support systems, English classes and a smoother transition. I wasn’t ready to jump straight into a four-year university, and this place gave me time to adjust and grow.

What challenges have you faced as an international student in the U.S.?
Culture shock and homesickness are the biggest challenges. I spent two years completely alone in the United States – no family, no holidays, no birthdays with loved ones. Making friends was hard. Sometimes I don’t understand jokes in English, and that can be embarrassing. But you keep learning.

Why did you get involved in student leadership?
​I wanted to be a voice for students – to make sure their concerns are heard, not just my own.
​I go around campus, talk to students, especially international students, and ask them what challenges they’re facing. If there’s no solution, I bring their voices directly to the district board.

How does education in the U.S. compare to that in Saudi Arabia?
​One word: opportunities. In the U.S., you can go from level zero to level 10 in just two years. ​You don’t need a prestigious university to succeed. Madison College already has so many opportunities, and they’re accessible.

What are your future goals?
​I want to become a veterinarian, but not just a regular doctor. I want to be a leader – someone who gathers community voices and makes sure they’re heard.

What advice would you give to other students?
Please take advantage of every opportunity at Madison College. Talk to your professors. Ask them to be your mentors.
​Community college is misunderstood back home, but it’s actually a place where everyone helps you grow. Everybody here can become your mentor.