Finding connections for success

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Ridha Chehime’s unique background led him to Western, where the experience-driven cybersecurity student is now pursuing his future with the help of numerous mentors and opportunities while also helping others navigate their college path.

A U.S. citizen, Chehime considers himself an international student, having grown up in Kuwait and now living in the United States for the first time. He attended an American curriculum-based school in Kuwait and was encouraged by his father, who attended college in Madison, Wisc., to attend college in the Midwest.  

“The biggest challenge I faced was adapting to cultural norms and understanding what was considered socially acceptable in different situations,” says Chehime, who is an active member of the Lee Honors College and the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society.

Finding faculty mentors has helped ensure Chehime’s academic success while the Kalamazoo community has played a crucial role in helping him feel connected and supported.

“What made my transition unexpectedly smooth was finding a community of people who shared my experiences as an international student both on campus and at the West Michigan Islamic Center. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve built.”

While his father’s influence led him to consider a Midwestern college, his decision to attend WMU was based on a feeling.

“I can’t pinpoint exactly what made Western stand out for me—whether it was the program, the University's reputation, the diversity, or the city of Kalamazoo itself—I have no regrets about my decision. Kalamazoo and Western now feel like a second home.”

Chehime started college as a computer science student but learning about the importance of cybersecurity and its significance in defending people and organizations against threats sparked his interest in the field of cybersecurity. 

Once he found his major, Chehime began making the most of his time at WMU. Dr. Alan Rea, co-director of the cybersecurity program, has had a profound influence on Chehime’s academic journey.

“Even though Dr. Rea’s classes are known for being challenging, they are also incredibly rewarding and engaging,” says Chehime. “Every student walks away with a deep understanding of the subject, and that’s a testament to his dedication as an educator. His influence has shaped not just my academic success but also my approach to learning and problem-solving.”

One of the most impactful experiences Chehime has had at WMU was working as a research assistant under Dr. Wuwei Shen, professor of computer science. 

“What I loved most about this role was the self-driven nature of the work. Nothing was handed to me—I had to seek out information, navigate challenges, and figure things out on my own. This experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and significantly boosted my confidence in tackling complex tasks independently,” says Chehime. “The research position felt like an internship in many ways, providing me with real-world exposure to problem-solving and self-directed learning, both of which have been crucial to my academic and professional growth.”

With all that WMU and Kalamazoo have offered Chehime, he feels compelled to help other students. As a Lee Honors College peer mentor, he is responsible for supporting approximately 50 first-year honors students. His role includes contacting these students regularly, offering guidance and ensuring they know they have someone to turn to, if needed. It’s a role he has experienced firsthand.

“On a trip organized by the Lee Honors College, I met a peer mentor who went out of his way to make me feel included. Seeing how much he and his friends cared about welcoming new students inspired me to do the same for others,” says Chehime. “Being a mentor has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to make a real difference in students' lives while also growing as a leader.”

Now approaching his senior year, Chehime is considering his future and envisions working for a major tech company or government agency that focuses on national or individual security.

“The field of cybersecurity is changing quickly, and threat detection and prevention are becoming more and more dependent on AI and machine learning. The relationship between AI and cybersecurity particularly interests me because it offers both new vulnerabilities and chances to improve security measures. The current arms race between cyber-criminals and security experts is one of the biggest challenges in this field. Hacking methods advance along with security measures.” 

You can follow Ridha Chehime’s career on Linked In.

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