My name is Muhammad Abdi and I am currently a senior in high school—at Eastmoor Academy, in Columbus, Ohio. I am of East African descent, so I can speak four languages, including Somali and Swahili. I joined HighRise Academy in order to acquire assistance and guidance in the selection process of a college that suites me well. I come from a large agricultural family and I am a first generation college student. My parents always wanted a better future for their children and always told me that education and knowledge is the only avenue out of ignorance, poverty, and destitution. I believe education contributes to profound changes in human life; thus, I take my studies very seriously, for I know that my parents brought me here, to America, to benefit from the opportunities extended to me by this great country. I have experienced the lack of essential resources—such as food, water, shelter, and health care—in Africa, so I hope to pursue education in a field that would in the future enable me to help poor societies and provide me with adequate livelihood. As the eldest of nine children, I hope to be the best role model for my younger siblings by trail blazing a road to college for them to emulate.
Before the beginning of my senior year in High school, I was given the opportunity to participate in a post secondary program—Senior to Sophomore—at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Thus far, I have earned 16 college credits and I hope to graduate, from high school, with 32 college credits. In taking these courses, I have gained much valuable experience as a result of the challenges I have faced. I have learned to successfully transition from high school into college level education by becoming more diverse and adept at managing a complex schedule. I am truly thankful to Mr. Green—my high school guidance counselor—because if it were not for him, I would not have had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. I am also thankful to Mrs. Ging (the head of Columbus City School’s Senior to Sophomores Program) and my parents for their encouragement.
The HighRise Academy experience is truly amazing. If it were not for the mentors in this exceptional organization, I would not have had high-quality applications. I truly thank everyone in this program for all they have done for me and my fellow HighRise Academy students—especially my personal mentor, Dan Crane, and our group leader, Sebastian Restrepo. In addition, I must thank the sponsors of our program, for generously giving to this great cause. With the assistance of my mentors, high school & college educators, and parents I was able to apply to 9 colleges. These colleges are The Ohio State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Yale College, The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Duke University, Colgate University, Carleton College, and Case Western Reserve University. Currently I have been accepted to The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin, and Case Western Reserve University; I will get word for the other institutions very soon. I am currently undecided on where I wish to attend, but the financial assistance I will receive will significantly affect my decision because my family’s current financial condition cannot contribute to my college education.
Due to my religion (Islam), I cannot take loans, thus I hope to be awarded scholarships, grants, and work study in order to fund my college education. The Quran (Holy text for Muslims from god “Allah”) abolishes all believers from undertaking and giving loans that accrue interest to anyone (Muslims, Christians, Jews, all people) because it is deceitful and immoral (2:275-280, 3:130, 4:161, 30:39). These citations are the verses of the Quran that explain the prohibition of riba (means interest in Arabic). If one is to take a loan, the lender may charge a fee for this service; however the amount cannot surpass the total of the money lent and the charge for borrowing the money. For example, if I were to borrow $2,000 with a fee of $150, then I must pay my lender exactly $2,150 as soon as possible or in the period of time that the lender and I agreed upon. Anyways, I have applied to several scholarships, including The Ohio State University Morrill Scholarship and the Gates Millennium Scholarship. I am currently applying to several local scholarships that could help me achieve my goal of acquiring a rigorous education.
Up through the end of my first year in college (around summer 2011), I hope to share my college experience with all people who wish to gain information about the college application process, college life, or anything else that would contribute to ones chance of obtaining success and happiness. I will try to complete a blog per week to the best of my abilities throughout this time.
Muhammad Abdi
Accepted To
- The Ohio State University (Main Campus)
- The University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Case Western Reserve University
Waiting For
- The University of Chicago
- Yale University
- Duke University
- The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Colgate University
- Carleton College
Differed From
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