FIYou: Matt Xhemajli

Name: Matt Xhemajli (I’m pursuing a master’s degree and expect to graduate in 2011.)

Hometown: Peja, Kosovo

Job Title/Department: Business Analyst, Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: My job consists of departmental reports, quality assurance, PeopleSoft technical support and general computer support, etc. It allows me to help Undergraduate Admissions help our students more efficiently.

Number of years at FIU: 2

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The diversity at FIU is wonderful. So many rich and vibrant cultures continuously work, educate themselves and prosper together. To the world: Take notes.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

Undergraduate Admissions is here to help all of our students – current and prospective – realize their dreams of attending FIU. Our staff can help students who might face a language barrier as internally we have speakers of Spanish, Creole, Italian, Albanian and Croatian languages, to name a few.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

It would have to be the Green Library. It is beautiful and spacious, and the fact that we have a Starbucks inside the building complements it all.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

The campus atmosphere is welcoming and inviting. Staff are always ready and willing to help. You can find state-of-the-art facilities, whether you’re looking for study, recreation or socializing areas.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

FIU has placed Kosovo’s flag in the dining area by Subway. FIU is “Worlds Ahead” because it keeps its students up to date and aware of what is currently going on in the world. Kosovo is now the youngest country in the world and a frequent topic of international relations and events.

Family snapshot:

In the U.S. it’s my wife and me. My parents, sister and brother are in Kosovo.

Word that best describes you: Analytical.

First paying job: I worked for the United Nations in Kosovo, as a simultaneous interpreter in Albanian, Serbo-Croatian and English.

Favorite TV show: PBS’ American Masters.

What is playing on your iPod?

Genre-wise, lounge, classical and rock music. As for artists, I have Sting, Santana, Vivaldi and others.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Being selected as a Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth – student and awarded a full academic scholarship at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pa.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I love reading and trying out different ethnic cuisines.