My name is Abdikadir Sharif Mohamed. I grew up during a time when my country was torn apart by civil war, which forced many families to constantly move in search of safety. For years I was separated from my parents, yet I never abandoned my education. Wherever I went, I continued my studies until I completed the Qur’an. Later, my family and I returned to the capital, where I resumed my studies; this time I entered high school.

My dream was to study abroad. I left Somalia for Uganda, where I encountered people from diverse backgrounds, both in terms of language and culture. Soon after, the COVID-19 started, and then government closed educational places and my progress toward start university stops there. I then moved to Kenya, planning a journey that would eventually take me to the United States, but unluckily, it couldn’t get approved. After two and a half years, I returned to Somalia, feeling that I had lost so much time.

However, I was never become alone—my mother constantly encouraged me to never give up. With her support, I decided to restart my education inside Somalia and enrolled at Jamhuriya University. At first, it was very difficult, especially when I saw my old classmates already in their final year of university. For two weeks I stayed home, overwhelmed by discouragement. But one morning I decided to return to the university, and that decision changed my life.

I slowly adapted to university life, I took on various roles within the IT student union, and in my third year I became president of student union. I also served as an assistant lecturer, teaching several subjects and working alongside different lecturers.

Since childhood, I have always loved playing and watching football, and I have also been deeply passionate about playing video games.

If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation, it would be Don’t compare yourself to others. also Change the plan but never change the goal.

Love,

Your Future Self