People love to complain. Bad weather? Long lines? A missed coffee order? There’s always something to vent about.
Yet when Reishan Leo, a Malaysian who attended Arizona State University (ASU) for her biochemistry degree, looks back on her study abroad experience, she has nothing but fond memories.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m promoting the university, but I honestly had an amazing time there,” she says.
Leo with her family at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), moments before leaving for the US to pursue biochemistry. Source: Reishan Leo
Why a biochemistry degree?
At first, Leo wanted to study actuarial science. However, as she explored more options, Leo found herself increasingly drawn to the sciences, eventually switching to a degree in biochemistry.
“Back in high school, I didn’t really like biology because there was a lot of memorising involved. And I’m very bad at it,” she shares. “But when I was first introduced to biochemistry, I realised it wasn’t just about memorising facts.”
Unlike traditional biology, biochemistry takes a more analytical approach, focusing on the chemical substances and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the changes they undergo throughout life.
This focus on the “how” and “why” behind biological processes clicked with Leo’s learning style. “I need to understand something first before I can remember it, which is why I enjoy biochemistry,” she says.
Leo gave a speech at the International Students Graduation Convocation. Source: Reishan Leo
From introvert to extrovert
Like many international students, Leo initially struggled with homesickness after moving abroad. “I’m an only child, so being away from my family hit me harder than I expected,” she shares.
“I tried going out, but I usually ended up staying indoors because I just missed home so much. But then I realised, I didn’t travel across the world just to stay in my room!”
Step by step, Leo began pushing her boundaries. She joined various clubs and societies. “Once I started putting myself out there, everything slowly got better,” she says.
Leo happily juggled her biochemistry degree with being President of the Malaysian Students Association. Source: Reishan Leo
1. ASU Malaysian Students’ Association
When Leo first set foot in the US, she knew almost no one. But that changed when she joined the Malaysian Students’ Association.
“It gave me the chance to meet people who understood what I was going through,” she says. “We hang out, cook Malaysian food, and look out for each other.”
Having that support network made a world of difference. “If you stay cooped up at home, you start missing your family more. But when you get out and stay busy, it really helps.”
Leo got to be a Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry and walk students through the biodiesel experiment. Source: Reishan Leo
2. Women in STEM Club
Leo didn’t stop at just one club. She also joined Women in STEM because it “related” to her major.
The club supports and empowers women in science and tech fields by building a community of students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Leo danced with the Devilettes at ASU’s Lunar New Year celebration. Source: Reishan Leo
3. Dance team
To keep things fun and active during her biochemistry degree, Leo also joined the Devilettes Dance Team, a sports club dance team at ASU.
“It’s kind of like a sports team. We do performances for school events,” she shares.
Among the many moments in her biochemistry degree, Bid Day stands out — when Leo joined Sigma Kappa at the Greek Leadership Village. Source: Reishan Leo
One heart, one way
In her final semester, Leo decided to try something truly American: she joined a sorority.
“Sigma Kappa is like a sisterhood,” she says. “I thought, ‘Why not experience sorority life while I’m here?’. But, within the Malaysian Student Association, less than 10 of us joined a sorority. It’s much more common among American students.”
Despite the unfamiliarity, Leo embraced the experience. While sororities are often stereotyped for parties, what drew her in was Sigma Kappa’s focus on community service. “That’s what many people don’t know,” she adds.
Getting involved, however, isn’t always easy. The recruitment process, known as “rush,” can be intense. Fall intakes are especially competitive, with students visiting each sorority and hoping for a mutual match.
“And if the sorority doesn’t choose you back, you can’t join them,” Leo explains. Fortunately, she joined during the spring intake after attending events and meeting the CGPA requirement.
She’s candid about the financial aspect too. “It’s definitely not cheap. You have to pay a fee every semester, and the amount can be pretty overwhelming,” she says.
Hazing isn’t allowed at ASU, but she admits some sororities still do it. Worse, she’s heard stories from other schools that cross the line and warns, “Some sororities force new members to drink massive amounts of alcohol.”
Despite the challenges, Leo encourages international students to consider joining a sorority. “It’s not just the picture-perfect moments you see online,” she says. “It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and make lifelong friends.”
Joining so many clubs and taking on leadership roles also helped Leo grow in ways she didn’t expect.
“Before coming to ASU, I was more on the introverted side,” she recalls. “But I recently retook my MBTI test and was surprised to find I’m now 53% extrovert. Being in that environment really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and become more comfortable talking with others.”
Before starting her biochemistry degree, Leo completed a six-month internship at an e-commerce company in Malaysia. Source: Reishan Leo
Why the US was the right choice for a biochemistry degree
Leo spent a year and a half in the American Degree Programme (ADP) at Taylor’s University in Malaysia before transferring to ASU in January 2023.
“I always knew I’d end up studying abroad,” she says. “It was just a matter of where.”
The US naturally stood out as a top choice, partly because her mother studied in the US, and “had a fantastic time.”
Of course, there were many other reasons why Leo ultimately chose the US for her biochemistry degree.
1. Flexible
One of the key reasons Leo chose to study in the US was the flexibility to change her major.
“When I was in the ADP, I was taking accounting and economics, with just a few chemistry and physics classes thrown in.”
So when she decided to go full-on in biochemistry, it wasn’t a total reset.
“It’s not like you only have to take science subjects if you are a science student. You have to take courses from other industries as well, which is what I like about the US education system.”
2. Better learning environment
Biochemistry is a rapidly growing field in Malaysia, but the pathways to study it are still limited.
“The closest option available was chemical engineering,” Leo explains. “But I wasn’t interested in that, it felt too much like physics.”
In contrast, the US offered her far more opportunities to explore her interests. “Laboratories here are much better equipped. I’ve had the chance to work with chemicals and instruments I never had access to back home,” she says.
She even got the chance to work as a Teaching Assistant for an Organic Chemistry lab. “It ties directly to my major and was a meaningful part of my academic experience,” she explains, looking back on the role with pride.
People are welcoming too. While headlines often highlight concerns about studying in the US – especially around racism – Leo’s personal experience has been largely positive.
“I understand why students and parents might be worried,” she says, “but honestly, most people I’ve met here are really nice. My professors and supervisors are super helpful. They know it’s not easy being an international student here alone, and they’ve been really supportive.”
She believes times are changing. “I think racism might’ve been a bigger issue in the past, but now it feels like people are more open and accepting.”
‘I’m not an art major, but…’
When Leo was not studying, she was a social media assistant for the International Students and Scholars Centre. “I create graphics and reels, basically anything related to social media,” she shares.
That’s how she found out about a university design competition. “Another supervisor shared a notice about it, so I decided to work on it over spring break, and I actually won,” Leo recalls. Her winning designs are now featured on merchandise like bottles, T-shirts, bandanas, and stickers.
What made the experience even more meaningful for Leo was how it allowed her to explore a personal passion. “I love designing and drawing, even though it’s not my main area of study. So in that sense, ASU has been amazing,” she says.
“Even though I’m a science student, I still get chances like this and even recognition for my work. It’s a learning environment that really supports students in exploring different interests.”
Now, she encourages others to take the leap and study abroad too.
“Living on your own overseas helps you grow up faster,” she says. “You become more self-reliant, and your mindset totally changes. Studying at home is still good, but it might not offer the same kind of opportunities.”
