My Background

My name is Shah Mohammad Raiyan, but most people call me by my nickname, Raiyan. I come from Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, and was born into a Muslim family as the youngest son. I completed my Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination in 2023, and I am currently an international student with a two-year gap since graduation. I am proud to be the first person in my family to apply to universities in the United States.

Studying Abroad: My decision

Everyone has a dream of receiving the best education. Since my childhood, I’ve always been eager to enhance my capabilities and had a constant thirst for gaining knowledge beyond the curriculum and textbooks. Another significant factor that influenced me was my visit to Australia in 2019 for a scout camping event. I was deeply impressed by the warmth and respectful attitude of the people there toward individuals from different regions. That experience made me realize how impactful scouting was in shaping my worldview, and I believe it served as a key turning point in my decision to pursue education abroad.

Why Butler and My Major

I chose Butler University because of its strong academic reputation, supportive campus community, and commitment to student success. The Data Science program, in particular, aligns perfectly with my interests and career goals, offering a balanced curriculum that combines technical skills with real-world applications. As a first-generation international student, I was also drawn to Butler’s emphasis on personalized education and its welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Receiving a full tuition scholarship from Butler made me feel recognized and valued, further reinforcing my belief that this is the right place for me to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Financial Aid

Initially, I was honored to be recognized in my offer letter as the best applicant in Butler University's talent pool history and awarded $38,000 through their Global Emerging Award. Later, I applied for the prestigious Morton Finney Diverse Scholars Program, which offers awards ranging from $5,000 to full tuition. After a 20-minute interview, I received an email just seven days later informing me that I had been selected for the program and awarded a full tuition scholarship. It truly felt like a moonshot moment for me.

My Academic Profile

I completed my Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in the Science stream with a GPA of 5.00 and my Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in Science with a GPA of 4.75. I come from a Bangla-medium educational background. In addition, I scored 8.0 on the IELTS and achieved a 1580 on the SAT.

My Extracurriculars and Honors

1. Gold Medal – Classical Rabindra Sangeet (National)

2. Silver Medal – Instrumental Music (Piano) (National)

3. Bronze Medal – National Anthem Competition (National)

4. President’s Scout Award – Bangladesh (2019) (National)

I have Led animal rescue and adoption efforts as VP of Pet Secure. Guided scouts and organized service projects as Senior Patrol Leader. Managed fundraising for flood relief. Promoted environmental awareness through tree-planting drives. Delivered medical supplies during COVID-19, supporting rural communities and aiding frontline healthcare efforts.

Borderless Help In My Journey

I used Borderless during my application process, and it was incredibly helpful. The platform provided clear guidance on university selection, essay writing, and scholarship opportunities. The personalized support and easy-to-use tools made each step of the application journey more manageable and less overwhelming. It truly boosted my confidence.

My Personal Advice

Never lose hope. Keep faith in God’s plan. Don’t let anxiety or depression consume you—it’s just a chapter in your life, not the whole book. You never know what amazing things are waiting for you. Seek advice from your older siblings, eat healthy, and keep yourself engaged during the day.