Ruheta Discovers Community, Belonging as Rwandan Student at U of A

Cassandra Thomas

Iana Ruheta

Graduate and international education is all about discoveries — the discovery of knowledge, the discovery of research and creative scholarship that improves lives and the discovery of new countries, cultures and people. The Graduate School and International Education is celebrating our students, faculty and staff that make discoveries happen at the U of A.

When Iana Ruheta began researching universities abroad where she could earn her undergraduate degree, she was looking for community.

Growing up in Kigali, Ruheta attended high school in the United States in Utah and wanted to continue studying abroad in college at a university with not just a vibrant international student population, but with a vibrant community of Rwandan students as well.

"I wanted to find a place where people understand who you are and where you come from," she said.

With ambitions to pursue graduate research in medicine, Ruheta also wanted to go to a university where she could earn an undergraduate degree that would set her up for success in graduate school. She's a chemistry and biochemistry major in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

"Fueled by a deep passion for empowerment, service and advocacy, I have come to recognize medicine as an exceptional platform that perfectly aligns with these values," she said. "My future hopes revolve around pursuing a research-based masters program. I hope to end up working in research to create healthcare resources that would cater to low-income communities."

"By embracing this interdisciplinary approach, my primary objective is to create inclusive resources that cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on those in low-income neurodivergent communities and families with neurodivergent children," she added. "Ultimately, in the future, I hope to collaborate closely with these individuals in the healthcare field, empowering people to lead wholesome, meaningful lives and fostering a brighter future for all."

After learning about the U of A's African Student Organization, the support offered for international students through the Office of International Students and Scholars and the university's classification as a Carnegie 1 Research University, Ruheta knew that it was the place she wanted to continue her educational journey.

She found a community of Rwandan students and dedicated employees at the university who provided her support and connected her to campus resources to help her transition to a new school in a foreign country.

During her time as a Razorback, Ruheta discovered that she not only wanted to find community, she also developed a passion for serving her community and fostering a sense of belonging for other students. She became president of the African Student Organization, a member of the International Culture Team, Associated Student Government and a DEI Student Ambassador, among other leadership roles she's taken on since arriving in Fayetteville.

After graduation, Ruheta plans to attend graduate school and is considering continuing her studies here at the U of A.

"From the Rwandan community that welcomed me as a freshman, to the ICT community that molded me, to the long-lasting friendships I made in different classes and organization, I found friends and family far away from home," she said.