Q & A with Honors Student Abdi
Recently, South students Austin Tugade and Musa Abdi were named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Tugade and Abdi will join the rest of the outstanding students who were selected for this exclusive company on March 24th, where they will be honored with a luncheon at South Puget Sound Community College.
Members of the All-Washington Team are chosen from the state’s community and technical colleges. These students are chosen not just for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, but also in their communities.
At the age of five, Musa Abdi faced a world of uncertainty. Abdi’s father died in the Ethiopian Civil War that forced his family to move to Kenya where they settled as refugees.
The life of living in a refugee camp for 15 years shaped Musa’s educational path. With a 3.5 G.P.A., Musa has his sights set on entering into the medical field to provide for his family and much-needed care in his homeland.
We sat down with Abdi for a questions and answer series. He shared some of his study habits and keys to his success among other topics covered.
SOUTH: What does being a part of the All-Washington Academic Team mean to you?
Abdi: Being part of All-Washington Academic Team is like a dream come true. It feels good to have my hard work recognized. This inspires me to keep up the hard work so I can go to the next level.
SOUTH: What do you think is the key to your academic success?
Abdi: My family is the key to my academic success, especially my mother. She always inspires me, and stands by my side whenever I feel stressed. The other key to my academic success is the South Seattle College; the teachers, staffs, and the students are all amazing and helpful.
SOUTH: How do you prepare for a test?
ABDI: I choose a quiet place to study. I like to find a room in the library where I can be by myself. After I understand the actual material, I go and study with my study group or my classmates. I’ve found the best time for me to study is 6 to 9 O'clock in the morning. Sleep is important and I like to go to bed early when I have the test the next day.
SOUTH: What clubs or activities are you involved in on campus? Outside of campus?
ABDI: I am a PTK (Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society) member, and Style club here at South. I work outside school as a soccer referee in the Seattle Area. I also volunteer at Food Bank in our neighborhood. I help in serving free food to our hungry neighbors. I also shadow a pharmacist at Swedish Cherry Hill once a month in order to learn more about the profession.
Congratulations, Musa; your hard work has paid off!