Khadija Sana is an Accounting major at the University of Connecticut who will graduate in 2026. She discovered her passion for the field early in life and has continued to refine that interest through her academic and professional experiences at UConn. Her journey reflects a deep appreciation for disciplined work, steady growth, and the satisfaction of solving complex problems with clarity and accuracy. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has built a strong foundation in accounting while developing a thoughtful understanding of the skills and habits required for long term success.
Khadija first realized she wanted to pursue accounting during high school when she enrolled in a college level accounting course taught by an instructor who made the material both enjoyable and meaningful. She remembers how much she looked forward to creating balance sheets and how rewarding it felt when each element aligned as it should. The course demanded careful attention to detail, and she found herself willingly spending more time on each project. This early experience shaped her academic direction and confirmed that accounting was a field where she could apply critical thinking and problem solving in ways that felt natural and fulfilling.
As she progressed at UConn, Khadija sought opportunities that would expand her practical knowledge and help her understand how accounting functions in real world settings. One of the most significant experiences came through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. The VITA class allowed her to work directly with clients and complete tax returns while practicing accuracy, patience, and clear communication. Seeing the impact of this service was meaningful and gave her confidence in the path she chose. She also worked as a Student Administrative Assistant, a role that strengthened her organizational skills and gave her steady exposure to a professional office environment. Together, these experiences helped her develop oral and written communication skills as well as improved teamwork and professionalism, competencies she now considers essential to her growth.
Although Khadija has achieved many milestones during her time at UConn, her path has not been without obstacles. Applying to the School of Business accounting program was a challenging process because of its competitive admissions standards. She understood that strong grades were essential, which required discipline and careful time management. There were moments when she had to make difficult choices to prioritize academics over social activities. Her persistence paid off and she was accepted on her first attempt. This accomplishment reinforced her belief that hard work and self-awareness can open doors to important opportunities.
Khadija credits many of the people and resources at UConn for helping her reach this point in her journey. She received valuable guidance from Susan Landolina in the Undergraduate Business Career Development Office who supported her in strengthening her resume and preparing for career steps. She also connected with Wiley Dawson at the UConn Hartford campus who offered practical advice that helped her navigate early professional development. The Asian American Cultural Center played a meaningful role in her experience as well, especially through the leadership of Director Angela Rola whose encouragement helped Khadija feel grounded and supported during moments of uncertainty. These relationships helped her build confidence and reminded her that success is often shaped by a strong network of mentors.
Khadija encourages other UConn students to take their academics seriously and remain committed to attending class and keeping up with coursework even when it feels challenging. She believes that building a strong GPA opens doors and makes competitive programs more accessible. Khadija often reflects on a quote that has grounded her perspective during competitive moments. “Do not wish for what makes others exceed you.” It’s from the Quran, and I felt like it perfectly captures the anxiety many of us feel when someone close to us gets an internship or job before we do. Internship season can make it seem like everyone is moving ahead while you’re standing still. But someone receiving an offer before you do, does not mean you’re behind, it just means their timing came first.
She also advises students to start shaping their resume early through volunteering, customer service positions, or any experience that helps develop transferable skills. For her, finding direction during the first year made it easier to choose opportunities that aligned with her goals and interests. Khadija looks forward to continuing her studies and hopes to apply her accounting skills in a professional role where she can keep growing and contributing to her community.
