Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2020 graduates.

Graduating School of Molecular Sciences senior Awed Alenezi recalls his first day at Arizona State University: “I still remember how I felt, both excited and nervous at the same time.” Awed Alenezi is grateful to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission for the scholarship that allowed him to study at ASU. Download Full Image

He also remembers the feeling of accomplishment upon finishing his first semester with a high GPA.

“I believe if you start with success, you are more likely to continue and end with success,” Alenezi says.

Alenezi is grateful to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission for the scholarship that allowed him to study at ASU.

“The diversity at ASU is one of the beautiful things that I was surprised and inspired by,” he says.

Meeting many people with diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs helped make ASU interesting and informative both in and out of the classroom for Alenezi: “I learned that strength lies in differences, not just in similarities.”

Inspired by his high-school chemistry teacher, Alenezi found a love of chemistry that continued to be nurtured at ASU.

“Professor (Don) Seo continues to inspire me with his teaching and passion for chemistry. I hope to inspire others like that, no matter what I do,” Alenezi says.

He looks forward to starting his master’s degree after graduating from ASU.

“It’s a privilege for me to graduate from ASU,” he says. “It’s No. 1 in Innovation and is one of the top universities in the United States.”