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Anis Mustaffa ’20, M.S. ’25 has been a long way from family and friends while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Zoology and graduate business degree in financial analytics. In the time she’s spent making Oregon her second home, she also brought Malaysia into her life in Oregon, representing the National Assembly of Malaysian Students in America (NAMSA) and acting as their treasurer. Finding and learning from the many ways to be engaged in a different language and culture, Mustaffa brought her talents to everything from OSU’s hack-a-thons to the OSU Recreational Sports Advisory Board.
What are your plans after graduation?
If things go well, I will be starting my full-time job in Portland!
What’s your major and/or minor?
Financial Analytics
What’s one thing you learned during your academic journey that made a big impact?
One thing I learned is that growth really happens outside of your comfort zone. Whether it was saying yes to leadership roles, presenting in front of a crowd, or simply starting a conversation with someone new, those small and scary moments added up and made a big impact on who I have become. Most importantly, get to know people. I have learned so much from others from all walks of life and those connections truly shaped my journey.
Was there a moment you realized you’d grown during your time at OSU?
Yes, I think my communication skills have grown so much. When I started the program, I was awkward making conversation, nervous during presentations, and mostly stuck to people I already knew. But by the end of the program, I’ve improved so much and feel way more confident connecting with others!
Who or what helped you along the way?
A lot of people have helped me along the way such as professors, family members, friends, classmates, housemates, colleagues, and many others who have inspired and shaped me into the person I am today.
Were you involved in any experiences you’d like to highlight?
During the program I balanced two part-time campus jobs along with two side hustles to support my daily needs. Outside of class I stayed actively involved as president of the Business Analytics Club, finance officer for the National Assembly of Malaysian Students Association in the United States, and international student representative for the Recreational Sports Advisory Board. I also recently volunteered at Oregon’s first and largest hackathon in 2025. At work, I was nominated for and received the NAFSA Region I Rising Star Award for helping grow the International Friendship Program.
Anything else you’d like to share?
One of my favorite memories outside of OSU was being able to contribute to the Malaysian student community through NAMSA. I had the chance to join the Malaysian Festival at the University of Pennsylvania and a summit at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington D.C. It is a memory I will always cherish. Seeing Malaysian students from all over the United States come together to work, eat and enjoy the moment was truly special. As a Malaysian who has been here for almost eight years with no family around, it has been a challenging but meaningful journey living in a foreign country with a different language, culture, and people. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am happy to call Oregon my second home.