Meet Shazzy: The Grad Senator Bringing Students Together

My name is Shahzeb Jadoon, but my friends call me Shazzy! I'm a second-year master’s student in Computer Engineering, and I’m originally from Lahore, Pakistan. Before coming to RIT, I did my undergrad in Computer Science and Actuarial Science at Wartburg College in the small but wonderful town of Waverly, Iowa.

What inspired you to step into a leadership role as Graduate Senator?

My journey into leadership really stems from a single opportunity that changed my life. A referral from a mentor led me to finish high school at a United World College in Costa Rica, surrounded by students from all over the globe. That experience taught me the incredible value of community and the importance of uplifting others. I wouldn't be where I am today without people who created pathways for me, and as Graduate Senator, I want to help build that same sense of community—one that fosters connection, uplifts students, and creates stepping stones for everyone to succeed.

Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to represent graduate students

There wasn’t one single moment, but more of a growing realization. As an international student who has been in the U.S. for a while, I've learned how to navigate opportunities, but I remember how tough the process can be, especially at a large institution like RIT. I noticed a disconnect sometimes, not just between the university and its grad students, but between international and domestic students. I realized I was in a unique position to be a bridge, to help close those gaps by sharing what I’ve learned and amplifying the voices of students who might not know where to start.

What values will guide you as you make decisions in this role?

If I had to pick one, it would be service. I truly believe people in leadership have been entrusted with that role to serve others. For me, that means working to make the graduate student experience as smooth, fun, and fulfilling as possible. And at the heart of that service is my second core value: community. Everything I do is aimed at bringing people together and strengthening the bonds between us.

What do you hope graduate students will say about your impact when your term ends?

On one hand, I hope they’ll remember the fun we had at the events and the connections they made! But on a deeper level, my goal is to set up processes and resources that continue to help students long after my term is over. I hope they’ll say that I not only helped make their time here more enjoyable but also made it easier for the students who came after them.

What’s a key issue or need you’ve noticed among graduate students that you hope to address during your term?

I think the biggest issue is engagement, but it’s really an awareness gap. RIT has an incredible number of resources, clubs, and events, but there's often a disconnect between what's available and what graduate students—who are juggling research, classes, and often TA or RA roles—actually know about or have the bandwidth to use. My goal is to make these resources more visible and accessible.

What new initiative or idea would you most like to bring to life for the graduate community?

While the Graduate School has a fantastic Graduate Toolkit for academic milestones, many students still struggle to find paid assistantship opportunities. My main initiative is to create a centralized and transparent system where professors can post open GRA and GTA positions. This would make the process more equitable and accessible for all students, removing the barrier of needing to know the "right people" to find these vital roles. It’s all about unbarricading communication and increasing visibility.

What’s a hobby, interest, or ritual that helps you recharge outside of academics?

I absolutely love sand volleyball! I may have chosen the wrong city for a year-round beach season, but I’ll take any chance I can get to play. I'm really up for any sport, but when I need to truly unwind, I enjoy the occasional couch co-op gaming session with friends. Nothing beats the fun chaos of Mario Kart, Smash Bros., Ultimate Chicken Horse, or any of the Jackbox Party Packs’ games.

If you weren’t in your current grad program, what’s another career or path you could see yourself in?

I think I would either be a teacher or a photographer. I find so much gratification in helping others learn and have that "aha!" moment, and I could definitely see myself teaching in the future. As for photography, it's a side hobby, but I just love tinkering with my camera, playing with light and shadows, and seeing what kind of creative shots I can capture.

What’s your favorite way to connect with fellow students?

By showing up! I love attending events on campus, whether it's a club meeting, a guest lecture, or a festival. I find that the best connections happen organically when you’re both there for a shared interest. It's an instant conversation starter.

How do you like to receive feedback or new ideas from students?

I'm a big fan of in-person conversations, which is why I hold regular office hours both in the Student Government office and at other spots around campus. It’s the best way to brainstorm and build on ideas together. That said, I know everyone's busy, so I always have a QR code on hand that links to a feedback form for students to share their thoughts anytime.

What’s been your most memorable moment at RIT so far?

Definitely Mud Tug! I was on the Student Government team, and even though we didn't win, there was something so uniquely fun and memorable about getting completely covered in mud with my teammates. It was a great bonding experience!

If you could describe graduate student life at RIT with an image or metaphor instead of words, what would it be?

It has to be the confused John Travolta GIF. Not just because my hair was that long last year, but because it perfectly captures that feeling of "Okay, what's next?" You finish one major project and immediately find yourself walking around, trying to figure out which of the dozen other important things you should tackle next. Sometimes, it’s also just me, literally lost on campus trying to find an event in a building I’ve never been to before!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to every new graduate student at RIT?

Realize that you can negotiate and shape much of your experience at RIT. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, whether it's from a professor, a department, or an advisor. Be bold, communicate your goals clearly, and be proactive in creating the graduate school journey you want.

How can graduate students make the most of their time here?

Explore everything. Go to events on campus, even if they're outside your department. Utilize resources like the Graduate Student Toolkit, talk to your professors during office hours, and never stop asking questions. Your time here is short, so be intentional about building your network and stepping outside of your academic bubble.