Jaclyn Figg
Staff Writer
Students travel to Idaho State University to study from all over the world, and eventually disburse back across the globe at the conclusion of their studies, whether to continue their education, or to accept jobs in the various marketplaces of the world.
Mohammad Almustaneer, an ISU graduate, first traveled to Pocatello in 2006.
He is from Najran, Saudi Arabia, located in the southwestern part of the country, near Yemen.
“It is a historical city, the history can be traced back to 4000 years ago,” Almustaneer said. “It is a valley where mountains surround Najran from the south and the desert is at its east side.”
Although he loves the city for its surrounding geography, desert, mountains and the oasis, there are not many companies, so natives often leave the city to work away from home.
Upon arriving in Pocatello, Almustaneer spent his first 11 months studying English at ELS Language Centers before enrolling at ISU for the 2007 fall semester.
“The area is beautiful. The quietness of the city and mountains make the city unique,” Almustaneer said.
Almustaneer stayed with a host family his first year in Pocatello and built a lifelong relationship between them and his family in Najran.
Eager to make friends at ISU, Almustaneer volunteered for activities such as International Night, African Night and Nepalese Night.
“I had a chance to learn about different cultures and build strong relationships,” said Almustaneer. “I’m still in contact with some of them.”
In 2010 Almustaneer was elected president of the International Students Association.
The small town aspect of Pocatello, like his hometown, helped Almustaneer succeed in his classes.
“I was treated with respect by my classmates. I did not feel like I am different in any way,” Almustaneer said.
Almustaneer found ISU had adequate resources for him to succeed.
He was surprised to find some resources in various subjects that interested him at the library even though they didn’t pertain to his major.
According to Almustaneer, he grew up in an educated and loving family; his mother was the director of a school and his father was the director of a hospital.
Growing up he received support from family, his teachers and the community; three times, the mayor of the city gave him an award for outstanding student in the annual excellence ceremony.
Graduating from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in finance was a big accomplishment for Almustaneer. “It was an amazing feeling to graduate from the USA and overcome all the challenges I’ve faced,” he said.
In 2010 he walked with his class and then continued on to earn a master’s degree in Finance from Winthrop University in South Carolina.
“Getting a degree from the USA was a big achievement for me,” said Almustaneer.
“It gave me the power and motivation that I can achieve any goal by working hard toward it.”
Almustaneer currently lives in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, Industrial Jubail City.
He is working as a financial analyst at Saudi Aramco but is currently on a temporary assignment at Sadara Project, one of the largest chemical companies that represents a unique alliance between Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical Company.
“Ba’athrat,” in Arabic means something that is scattered, and is the name of Almustaneer’s book he published.
“I love reading and writing. However, my writing skills has been improving and I was able to publish my first book last year,” Almustaneer said.
His book was awarded as one of the best six books by the King Salman Youth Center in Saudi Arabia.
In Aug. 2014, Almustaneer’s wife delivered their first baby, Maya. She has been making their life more joyful according to him.
Almustaneer is working on a new novel in Arabic that will be published, hopefully, by Dec. 2016.
“I’m working hard to split my time between my job, family and my favorite hobby, writing,” Almustaneer said.
Almustaneer enjoyed his time in Pocatello and has plans to visit again when his daughter is older.
“I enjoyed it very much and after leaving the city in Dec. 2010 I was very sad. I still feel Pocatello is my second home,” Almustaneer said.
