Kimaya from India

Want to talk with Kimaya? Contact us at: msu.intl@murraystate.edu.

Tell us about yourself:

I am an avid reader with an active imagination, and a Master’s student of English Literature, who hopes to make a difference in the world using literature and language.

Why did you decide to study outside of your home country?

In my home country, research in my field of study (English Language and Literature), is not as progressive, and certainly not experimental. While the education is intense and comprehensive, there are limited options, which is why I decided to pursue my graduate degree in English Literature in United States.

How did you choose Murray State University?

The English Literature program at Murray State University offered me the flexibility I was looking for, in terms of concentration and courses of study. Moreover, it offered me courses in American Literature as well as British: since I’d never had the opportunity to study American Literature before, but had always wanted to, Murray State University was perfect for me. Additionally, it offered a Global Outreach Scholarship (which is granted to all incoming international students at Murray State University), which was like a cherry on the top of the cake.

Why did you choose to study English Literature?

I love reading books — always have, always will — and also, writing and editing. I chose to study English literature because it’s my passion, and I wish to help develop and understand it and excel in it.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Murray State University?

At the risk of sounding nerdy, my classes, courses, and of course, the library.

What is your favorite thing about Murray State University?

My course, and of course, the guidance, freedom and encouragement given by my professors to me, which enables me to grow and excel, not just academically, but also generally.

How is studying in the USA different than India?

The education systems of the two countries, at least for my field of study, are vastly different. In the U.S., I have to research extensively and write scholarly papers in each of my courses, and have to actually understand the text and formulate my own original opinion. Its not just about passing the exams in U.S., its about actually learning something substantial, and then contributing something more to the existing knowledge. Here, I have the freedom to experiment and formulate new theories, and try to find a practical application for the same outside the world of academia. In India, more often than not, my field of study is restrictive: its exam oriented, and the only students writing and researching are the ones pursuing a doctoral degree. The difference between studying in India versus studying in US is too deep a subject to actually elaborate on any more than I already have.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from Murray State University?

I intend to pursue a PhD in English immediately after graduating from Murray State University. I’m currently applying to quite a few universities for doctoral programs in English, and hopefully, by the time I graduate, I’ll have received an acceptance letter from at least one of them.

What was the biggest challenge that you faced as a new student?

I guess familiarizing myself with the education system. To give an example, my professors conducted discussions instead of traditional lectures, and it was a while before I could come to terms with the fact that the professors actually wanted to hear what I had to say about a particular topic. Also, the extensive researching and writing papers. It wasn’t difficult for me to actually research and write scholarly papers, but it was difficult to juggle the various subjects and courses that I had to research on and for. I hadn’t expected it to be so detailed, and therefore, time consuming.

What would you tell students in India who want to study in the US?

I would encourage them to pursue their ambition, while also warning them not to take the education in U.S. for granted.

Are you a member of any clubs or student organizations?

Yes, I was the Women’s Representative for the Indian Students’ Association for around two semesters, and currently, I’m one of the three Student Vice-Presidents for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.