Meet Abshir Ahmed, sociology undergraduate
After growing up nearby and spending time around campus, undergraduate student Abshir Ahmed always planned to study at the University of Minnesota. But it wasn’t until a sociology class opened his eyes to the data and stories behind inequality that he discovered his interest in social justice. Today, he’s using his education to explore how social systems shape opportunity and fairness.
What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you choose your major?
Growing up in Minnesota, I was always interested in going to the U. I spent a lot of time in the area around campus, and I appreciated how it was located right in the center of Minneapolis, with many things to do in the area. When it was time to start applying to colleges, the University of Minnesota was at the top of my list.
However, choosing my major was not as easy a decision. At first, I wanted to be a journalism major because I was interested in traveling and learning about the world through people's stories and experiences. It was only after I had taken a sociology intro course that I realized how much sociology was related to my goals and interests. The patterns in the data we studied and the books that we read in SOC 1001 told stories about social justice and inequality on a greater scale, which I found to be incredibly eye-opening.
Tell us about a class you still think a lot about
In my sophomore year, I enrolled in a class called CI 1826 - Social Change, Social Justice: An Introduction to Applied Calculus to fulfill a math requirement for my CLA education. I was definitely apprehensive at first because math is not my strong suit; however, I was pleasantly surprised with the class.
What I found most interesting about the class was its focus on applying mathematical concepts to analyze social injustices and inequality right here in the Twin Cities area. We used differential calculus to observe issues like homeownership disparities and gentrification in Minneapolis neighborhoods, as well as to predict trends and map out possible solutions to these issues.
What professional experiences have helped prepare you for your career goals?
I held a job at a company called Apollo Care Services during my time here at the University of Minnesota. Apollo Care Services is a locally based organization focused on providing individualized home support and care services to a diverse range of individuals across the Twin Cities metro.
Working at this job was an incredibly fulfilling experience that built on some of the skills and core career competencies I had already started to develop in class. This opportunity helped me meaningfully engage with members of my community and gain insight into useful social programs in our healthcare system that I otherwise would not have known about.
What is your dream job? How is your liberal arts education helping you reach your post-graduation goals?
My experiences here at the University of Minnesota have led me to realize that my dream career is to be able to work in the field of law and social justice. Through my studies as a sociology major, I have realized that there is still a lot of meaningful social change that can be done in order to achieve a more equal and just society. I am particularly interested in becoming an immigration attorney and working with immigrant communities due to my personal experiences growing up in an immigrant household.
What's on the horizon?
What I am looking forward to most is graduating this spring. Being a first-generation college student was stressful at times, but I think the community here at the University of Minnesota has made it a lot easier. I am also looking forward to traveling more this year.
This story was written by Bayleigh Bergner, an undergraduate student in CLA.
