Yacoub Seyni ’17
Only one of four Christians in his entire high school, Yacoub Seyni ’17 grew up in Niger, where 99 percent of the population is Muslim. In search of a college with a combination of excellent academics and a Christian environment, he says he had never traveled outside his home country before flying to the U.S. to attend Messiah. The chaplain team bought him a jacket.
“I didn’t know it would get this cold,” he said of the Pennsylvania winters.
Seyni also didn’t realize how large of a role his professors would play outside the classroom. He says Scott Weaver, assistant professor of computer science, inspired him by displaying patience with students. Also, David Owen, associate professor of computer science, included him in family events.
“He invited me to his house for dinner, to his church, to his son’s concert,” said Seyni. “That just proves the professors are interested in you outside of academia.”
In Grantham, Seyni found his niche, majoring in computer information science and leading the programming team and the math club. He also participated in the Department of Computer and Information Science’s mentoring program and managed the database for the Agape Center.
Seyni says he plans to work in the U.S. then attend graduate school. His goal is to help with the educational systems in underdeveloped countries.
“I am thankful for the Lord and for all the four years he has been with me,” said Seyni. “Being able to succeed academically and in my personal life, it took so many people. It took hundreds of people—in any area I’ve ever interacted with—to get me through the four years.”