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What brought you to CPS and what were you hoping the experience would give you?

I came to CPS with a strong professional background in logistics, business development, and data-driven operations. But I wanted to take the next step by building deeper skills in analytics, statistical modeling, and responsible technology.

As an international student, I hoped CPS would give me more than a degree. I hoped it would give me confidence, direction, and a stronger voice in a new professional environment. I wanted to connect my real-world industry experience with advanced analytics and grow into someone who can solve complex business and social challenges with data, purpose, and leadership.

What is the moment, class, conversation, or experience that stands out most from your time at CPS?

The moment I’ll carry with me is presenting my sustainability and analytics work at a Northeastern event. Standing there with my research, speaking with students, faculty, and mentors, and realizing that my journey had become bigger than assignments or grades.

That moment showed me that data can create conversations, open doors, and connect people around problems that genuinely matter. I wasn’t only learning at CPS. I was beginning to contribute.

How has being part of CPS changed you — professionally, personally, or both?

Professionally, CPS helped me move from someone with strong industry experience to someone who thinks analytically, communicates with evidence, and approaches problems through data, research, and strategy.

Personally, it made me more resilient. Moving to a new country, adapting to a new academic system, and rebuilding myself was not easy. But CPS taught me to keep showing up, ask for support, learn from setbacks, and trust that growth often happens quietly before it becomes visible.

Is there a person — student, faculty member, advisor, or colleague — who made a meaningful difference for you at CPS? Tell us about them.

Naomi Cottrelle and Mariah Silva both made a meaningful difference in my journey. Naomi supported me with patience, clarity, and kindness as my academic advisor — especially during moments when I needed guidance and reassurance. For an international student navigating a new academic and professional environment, that steadiness meant everything.

Mariah created opportunities for students like me to feel connected beyond the classroom — particularly through the Huskies for Life program. That experience helped me grow in leadership, reflection, and confidence, and reminded me that CPS is not only about completing a degree; it’s about building community, purpose, and belonging.

Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some of the most important growth happens in moments that feel uncertain, difficult, or unseen.

Muhammad Waqas Azam

What do you want the Class of 2026 to know as they step forward from here?

Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some of the most important growth happens in moments that feel uncertain, difficult, or unseen.

Keep learning, keep building, and keep believing in the value of your story. CPS has given us skills — and also resilience. Wherever we go next, we carry more than a degree. We carry the courage to begin again, contribute with purpose, and create impact in the world.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

This journey has meant far more to me than completing a degree. I came to Northeastern hoping to rebuild, grow, and prove to myself that I could contribute meaningfully in a new environment. Along the way, CPS gave me not only academic knowledge, but confidence, resilience, community, and a stronger sense of purpose. My hope is to represent CPS through my work, my research, and the impact I create beyond graduation.