When Zainab Alturaiki heard the news that KFUPM was going to begin admitting female students for the first time in its history, the high school graduate knew she had to be part of this groundbreaking opportunity.

“Although I had been preparing to study at top universities in the USA and the UK, and I had completed a preparatory year at another Saudi university, I put all those plans aside to become part of KFUPM’s inaugural female cohort,” said Alturaiki. “It wasn’t just about attending a top-tier university, it was about embracing the challenge of reaching new heights in a place where only the best of the best are chosen.”

Alturaiki said she was always one of her high school’s top students, but that didn’t alleviate her anxiety when she got the news she was accepted to KFUPM. “I was uncertain how I would perform among the many talented individuals, yet, what I discovered here went beyond grades,” she said. “KFUPM’s environment is not only competitive, but also supportive, by encouraging students to uncover their unique strengths.”

Alturaiki’s unique strength was computers and software engineering.

Her professor in Object-Oriented Programming pointed out to Alturaiki that even though she wasn’t earning top grades in the class, she was proving to have an exceptional gift for logical thinking. Dr. Baslyman “recognition of my abilities led to my nomination for programming competitions, and eventually, I got able to represent KFUPM in both local and global competitions,” said Alturaiki, adding, “KFUPM is not just about academic achievement, it’s about discovering and nurturing each student’s unique capabilities”

“My academic journey took an exciting turn when, thanks to my performance in digital and AI courses, I was nominated by the KFUPM-SDAIA Joint Research Center to participate in KAUST Academy’s prestigious AI Program,” she said. “With the support of the university, I successfully passed the first two stages of their program, reinforcing my passion for AI and digital innovation.”

Another avenue for exploring her strengths was founding KFUPM’s Female Computer Club, “This initiative, supported by the University, has been one of my most rewarding experiences and a step towards empowering women in tech.”

Alturaiki said KFUPM has been a transformative experience in every sense. “The university has not only given me the education and skills to succeed but also provided me with an environment that fosters personal growth, she said, adding the “opportunities I have received and the community I’ve been part of have truly shaped who I am today.”

“It is a place where I discovered my passions, sharpened my leadership abilities, and built connections that will last a lifetime. The opportunities I have received and the community I’ve been part of have truly shaped who I am today.