Ridwan Ali – Miss Somalia Utah 2020

Ridwan Mohamed Ali, I live in south Salt Lake City, Utah .As a first generation college student, I am blessed to have the privilege of attending college and making my parent’s dream become a reality. My parents were forced to leave their home, their families, their jobs, their precious belongings, and their memories behind to escape the scene of death that lined their town.

The main reason i am alive today is because my family was able to resettle as refugees in the united state in order for my siblings and I to have a better future. Although my mother was not an educated woman, yet she respected the value of education. She always wanted us to be better than her and achieve the dreams that she was not able to accomplish. As that dreams grows, time draws me closer to follow my passion. After all the struggles and the life threatening consequences that we have been through, it is my duty as their child to make them proud.

Throughout High school, i was very fortunate to have excellent counselors that empowered me and led me to the right path. Although I had all the assistants that I needed, I still struggled because i knew i could do better. I got involved in school activities and took on leadership roles, first to improve my English, and secondly,to prepare myself for college and for my career in general. I’ve enjoyed working with my classmates and I’ve learned so much about my personality. Once my language improved, i focused on helping those who were new to the school and did not speak a word in English. This experience improved my interpersonal skills, taught me to be patient, and made me realize that I can make a positive impact within my community. It also made me feel proud of my trilingual communication skills and my cultural heritage.

My rich experiences allowed me to understand and accept people from different backgrounds which constantly broadens my career opportunities. I have taught myself to be an efficient multitasker deadline oriented, and a very organized individual that excels in time management. These skills will help me become a productive and a successful student throughout college years. I always wanted to help people mainly, the special needs. I am a high school instructor assistant for special needs students. I’ve been working with them for about three years now. While working I’ve picked up American sign language. In the future, I aspire to become a full time teacher for special needs students.