On his very first day at Post University in 2021, Amal Jha ’24 stood with a golf bag slung over one shoulder and a suitcase in hand, thousands of miles from his home in India. The campus was unfamiliar, the culture was new, and the future was uncertain.
“I was new to college sports, new to the culture, and unsure of what to expect,” he says. Yet, the fresh school year carried a sense of possibility and excitement.
It did not take long for Amal to find his footing. A warm welcome from Coach Sokol of the Men’s Golf team turned what could have been an intimidating start into a defining moment. “He immediately made me feel comfortable and supported, making sure I had everything I needed to settle in,” Jha says. That support, and the close-knit community around him, would shape his entire college experience.
A Close-Knit, Global Community
For Amal, the highlight of his years at Post was not just competing on the course or excelling in the classroom; it was the people.
“What I cherished most was the diversity of Post. I met students from all over the world, but because it was such a tight-knit community, everyone truly got to know one another. It showed me that kindness and support transcend nationality or background,” explained Jha. He officially earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, with a double major, in December 2024 and returned to campus with his parents and brother in May 2025 to celebrate his achievement at commencement.
That lesson stuck with him as he built lifelong friendships with teammates and classmates. “Coaches and professors pushed us to succeed in academics and athletics but also reminded us that the real goal was becoming the best version of ourselves. That is something I still carry with me,” said Jha.
Mentors Who Mattered
Behind his growth were faculty and staff who went the extra mile.
“Professor Santos was pivotal. After my first semester, she helped me build a roadmap for the years ahead. She listened, encouraged me to pursue opportunities, and gave me honest guidance,” he says.
Her admiration for Amal was just as strong. “The word that immediately comes to mind when I think of Amal is ‘amazing.’ His intelligence, drive, and kindness made him truly stand out as a student. Amal excelled in both athletics and academics at Post. In 2024, I was
honored to present him with the Academic Excellence in Management award. His remarkable accomplishments and genuine character are the kind of qualities that remind me why I love teaching,” Santos says.
He also acknowledges Honors Program Directors Caitlin Grant and Natalie Pena for their unwavering support. “They consistently supported me and helped shape my plans. The Honors Program challenged me to push beyond the curriculum and grow alongside like-minded peers. It was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Post.” Discover Amal’s full journey here: https://www.flipsnack.com/7DEDBECC5A8/post-magazine-fall-winter-2025/full-view.html?p=21