BOSTON, Mass. – Saada Ahmed got an A on her first mid-term: humanities.

It’s a good start toward that goal of making the dean’s list.

The Lewiston High School grad says she’s enjoying Suffolk University, only moaning slightly about the cold and windy walk to class from her off-campus apartment.

She’s been home twice since leaving for school in August.

“I got homesick during the first week of Ramadan. And occasionally when I speak to my mother on the phone,” said Saada, an only child. They talk every day.

In October, Saada found a neighbor who was also celebrating Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. She and the new friend fasted together during the day and cooked together at night.

She says she likes to hang out in a local park when it’s nice weather and has checked out the Museum of Fine Art several times on trips to explore the city.

Saada has also joined a couple clubs, like the Black Student Union and Suffolk University Spanish Association.

“In college you meet a new person every day. I love it because you learn so much about others’ cultures,” she said. “All the people that I have met at the clubs I knew beforehand because I usually meet people through people. I am an outgoing person, so it’s not hard for me to go up and talk to people.”

She’s trying to stay on top of class assignments, doing weekly papers ahead of time to keep her stress level down. The course work is heavier than high school.

“But also the teachers expect so much from you,” she said.

– By Kathryn Skelton