High School <> Berkmar High School

Hometown <> Lawrenceville, Georgia

Degree Objective/Major <> Newspapers, International Affairs; Pre-Law List

Highlights at the UGA

• Honors Student
• Honors in D.C. Scholar
• Roosevelt Scholar
• Journalism Scholarship Recipient
• Honors Day: Top 5% of College
• Black Affairs Council Board Member

Why did you choose UGA?

I wanted a school where I would receive the highest quality of education at well-rounded University with an affordable price. UGA was that school.UGA was known for a competitive admittance process, prestigious academic environment and immense opportunities for students. UGA's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication was one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the nation. Many of the other Universities I was granted admittance to would burden me with a large amount of debt after graduation. As a HOPE scholarship recipient, my tuition was paid for by the state. I also wanted to attend a University that would challenge me academically.

My favorite things to do on campus are

Attending campus events with friends. Whether they provide humor or deep discussion; I have enjoyed them all during my years at UGA. These events provide great opportunities to meet new friends. During breaks from my hectic schedule I do not appreciate anything more than the opportunity to take a nap in my dorm to recharge for a day full of classes, meetings, and appointments and studying. I also love walking through beautiful north campus between classes.

My favorite place to study is 

The Law Library is my favorite place to study. I have found I am most productive there. The Law Library helps me focus on my future goal of attending law school while I complete the work that will get me there. I like to bring my laptop to complete work for classes and study for exams well into the night. Wherever I attend law school, I am sure the library and I will be closely acquainted.

What is student life like at UGA?

UGA has so many possibilities. It can be anything you want to make it. Your academic life should come first but there is much to do when there is free time. There are hundreds of organizations on campus that hold many great events to attend. Many high profile guests speak at the University every semester. Sports at UGA are very popular especially football and gymnastic games. The campus is bustling with thousands of students that offer different experiences to share with you. There is always something to do and someone willing to do it with you. I hope to squeeze everything in before I graduate.

My favorite Professor is

My favorite professor at UGA is Professor Conrad Fink of Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. His decades of experience in the field of journalism, his humor, his welcoming nature and his ability to engage his students make him an excellent professor. No other professor has made as significant impact on his students than Professor Fink. He makes his students want to rise to the challenge of excelling in his class. His door is always open and his jokes alone make coming to class a worthwhile experience. UGA, Grady College and I are all lucky to have him.

After graduation I plan on

I plan pursue a joint JD/MPP degree. I have a passion for human rights and a great interest in international issues. I hope to practice human rights law when I graduate from law school. I see myself in many different positions in my career but they all involving acting as an advocate for those not as privileged. I plan to concentrate on refugees, internally displaced persons and people living in poverty in African countries. As a former refugee myself, my family fled Somalia when I was two, I hope to provide others with some of the same opportunities I was given in my life.

What I like best about UGA is

What I like the best about UGA is the academic and professional opportunities available. The Honors program provides a small, personal college within a large research university. Many opportunities are available to Honors students-small classes taught by the best professors, internship programs, study abroad scholarships, opportunities to network with successful alumni and a great group of people all working to help you succeed. I have also enjoyed my experiences in leadership positions in various organizations producing events to meet the needs of the student body.

The UGA experience I will always remember is

The many all-night study sessions I have had with my friends. I have studied in Snelling Dining Hall, the Student Learning Center, Memorial Hall, dorms, apartments and many other places. The many pizza boxes, energy drinks and mini-power naps were the key. My study buddies are always there to make sure I am studying and motivate me to finish that paper early. I am sure there will be many more of these study sessions before I graduate.