Passion and Purpose: The Journey of Two Sisters at the Mount
The influence of a Mount Saint Vincent education goes far beyond the classroom and the gates of campus. For generations, the stories and transformative experiences of students have become the talk of dinner tables and a part of families. This sure was the case for one sister duo— Shama Mughal ’21 and Shamsa Roshan ’24 —who have both utilized the incredible science programs at the College to find their passions and their purpose
Shama and Shamsa immigrated to the United States from Pakistan when they were 11 and 14 years old—speaking no English—but excited to live and learn in the United States as they made a new life here alongside their parents. This sister-sister duo not only learned English throughout their middle and high school years, but quickly identified their shared interest in the sciences. They learned from their mother and father at a very young age to never shy away from a challenge. Their parents have been their biggest cheerleaders and, by example, taught them to become lifelong learners for a better future. They did just that for Shama and Shamsa—always finding the resources to make their educational journey easier to navigate even amidst moving across the world.
Around the time Shama was looking at colleges, their father unexpectedly stumbled upon the Mount Saint Vincent campus, fell in love himself, and suggested they go for a visit. Needless to say, the rest was history. Not only was the campus beautiful, but the close-knit community and small class sizes were things Shama valued, and the scholarships awarded made studying at the College possible for her. Indeed she said the Mount was the Right Place on the River for her.
Let’s fast forward a few years to when Shamsa was applying to colleges. With two kids pursuing higher education at the same time, the family finances were tight. Shamsa had always planned to attend a public institution with hopes of trying to find her way and make her mark in between the large class sizes. After hearing about her sister’s experiences at the Mount, her plans quickly changed—thanks to the generous financial aid package she received—making her dream of a private liberal arts education possible.
The doors were opened when both Shama and Shamsa entered campus to a world of possibilities—a world where they could each pave their own path; one unique in process, yet similar in impact.
Mount Saint Vincent, deep-rooted in tradition and values, continues to live out its mission by providing a transformative liberal arts education that is so impactful—regardless of financial means. These opportunities, for students like Shama and Shamsa, are only possible due to your steadfast support.
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Shama Mughal ’21
Shama, a 2021 graduate of the College, majored in biology. Shama felt as if she was not only destined to be at the College, but as if the Mount had chosen her. As a first-generation college student in America, she was eager to get the most out of her experience—taking advantage of the small class sizes, the one-on-one relationships with faculty, and the fact that she was not a number at the Mount, but a valued member of her classes and the community as a whole. The inclusivity of the campus was something she embraced. Although there weren’t many other students who were from her cultural background, she felt welcomed at the Mount among the diverse student population.
Shama was not only involved in various clubs and activities, but she was a student in the TRiO program, one designed to provide support services to students from lowincome or first-generation families. TRiO gave her a close-knit group of advisors and students who supported each other and navigated their college journeys together.
Although all of the science faculty members were pivotal in Shama’s success, Dr. Ioanna Visviki holds a very special place in her heart. She worked alongside Dr. Visviki on research that is tied to the College and its founding. They analyzed education and longevity in the Sisters of Charity and won third place at the Tri-Beta Conference for their stellar work. It was Dr. Visviki who helped Shama shape her path through her constant motivation and encouragement. A balance of challenge and support made her an amazing mentor and one that Shama could not thank enough.
Shama’s college experience solidified her passion for going into the medical field to continue to live out her father’s legacy. She is currently working as a research assistant within the gastroenterology department at Mount Sinai, while finishing her master’s degree this month in clinical research at the Icahn School of Medicine. With plans of taking the MCAT this summer, Shama continues to use her Mount education to not only find a job and get into graduate school, but to launch her career and impact generations to come as a doctor. Support
students like Shama and Shamsa today!
