Maria Zelada
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Inter Housing Council (IHC) President Zia Absar has one goal in life, and it’s a simple one: to be happy.
With a bright grin and bubbly manner, the graphic communication sophomore gushes joy and prides herself in making others feel the same way.
“I like helping others and supporting them,” Absar said. “I just thought president was the best way to get to everyone, instead of just a few. People calling me president, I don’t like it. I don’t like the title. I just like being a leader.”
After being part of Community Council her freshman year, Absar did what seemed natural and joined IHC, ensuring she could continue her goal of helping others.
“I just want to make sure that all the residents on campus feel like they’re at a home away from home,” Absar said. “I know that it’s hard to come to college, not seeing your mom every day, your sister, not seeing your dog.”
She knows firsthand the challenges of freshman year, but she found her way by participating in clubs and organizations, such as Community Council.
“As a freshman, one of the most important tasks for success at Cal Poly is finding your place,” Absar said. “You have to find what you love doing and be a part of it.”
The Muslim Student Association was another outlet that made Absar feel at home. She felt understood at a different level, she said — “a spiritual level.”
Absar also spent a few days reuniting with relatives in Pakistan this summer. She returned to San Luis Obispo with freshly drawn henna draped along her arms.
Now fading, the henna is a reminder that it’s time to get back to work. The busy president spends her weeks rushing from class to club meetings, executive board meetings and, well, even more meetings.
Yet she still finds the time for selfies.
The self-proclaimed selfie-taker has been waiting for more than a year to take a selfie with none other than the selfie queen herself, Ellen Degeneres.
“If you know Ellen, hit me up,” Absar said.
Absar succeeds previous President and mechanical engineering sophomore Christian Odegard.