Four Years in 1,000 Words – Here’s My Story of SIMAD University.

Moving from Beledweyne

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Abdisomane Secondary School is where I started from my formal educational journey. After 12 years of basic and secondary schooling, I finished my secondary school. At that time (till now), I love(d) to continue my educational journey (call me a long-life learner), but the problem was that I had an extreme misconception about the quality of local universities in my country. Studying in Malaysia, India or Pakistan was what I thought to be real education. After analysis, discussions and consultations with the family and friends, things went totally different.

In June 2012, I moved to Mogadishu, the capital city of my lovely Somalia. Though it was not my first time to go to somewhere out of Beledweyn, this journey was full of hopes and dreams. It was also the day I realized that the baby of Fatima Abdi will no longer be a baby; it was a time to stood up with my own legs. After my arrival at Mogadishu, the whole July and August in 2012 I was busy for choosing a college and a major to pursue. It was juggling enough. At end, ‘accounting’ won my heart and imagination.

Starting A College

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Finally, I have registered with an anonymous university, which I ethically preferred to hide its name. Classes started. I always came at the campus earlier because I had a passion for a college life, but the environment was not prepared for me. The first week ended without sense. I started to ask my classmates why they chose this. I understood from them that (most of them) this was not their best choice! But one reply from a clever student touched my heart “if I could have the means of studying at SIMAD, I would join it!” These words clicked me deeply, and I started to follow my heart and tell myself “this is not where you deserve”.

After two bleak weeks, I applied SIMAD UNIVERSITY’s admission. Fortunately, Faculty of Law was only open for admission and I registered it as a law student. Though it was not my planned major, I enjoyed it and I found a companion in it. At the end, I discovered the life I wanted to live in, which deserves me. Lectures were going smoothly; classes were well equipped, students were enjoying their classes and the environment was conducive. Honestly, things were totally different from the previous one. Ustad is the most frequently used word in SIMAD. Later I learned that  term was part of its culture.

SU-Main Campus

My 1^st Cultural Week Experience

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After one semester, I transferred to the accounting program which was my planned major in the first place. I joined a charming class called A27-A. My classmates welcomed me neatly at that time and I felt overjoyed to go along with them for the upcoming 4 years. Things went normal. After classes and session breaks, SIMAD’s green environment was our/my best friend(s).

During my 2^nd semester, I enjoyed SU’s annual cultural week tremendously, in my first time. It was freaking experience for me and the rest of the fresh students. Suit and tie was not working that week and everyone was dressing two pieces of white (cultural) cloths. Dhaanto was played in the compound unstoppably and Aqal-Somali was built in the university, too. The boy, hailing-from Hiiraan, was in state of shock. Students from different regions were performing cultural dances like Dhaanto, Shirib, Surow and others. Many prominent personalities attended. Furthermore, full scholarships were awarded to some students who won the Holly Quran contest (both male and female ones).

SU-Cultural Week (2016)

Clubs and Students Board Affiliations

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In March 2014, SU-students’ reading club was established. Being one of the top 7 executives, my responsibility was the financial management of the club and Khadar Biciid (the 1^st president of XAJSi, the university students’ government) was the president of the club at that time. In May 2014, the first SIMAD University Students Government (aka XAJSi) was established and Mowliid became an active member of XAJSi. And In February 2015, I became the class monitor of more than 70 classmates. I received lots of experiences from them. Again in August 2016, I became a member of SIMAD’s XAJSi and in September 2015 Mowliid was leading the constitution committee of FMS’ Students Association.

Conferences

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August 2 – 3, 2014, was one the most exciting experiences I had with the university. The 1st conference on public policy and administration development in Somalia was organized by SIMAD University. I had the opportunity to meet with most sough personalities presenting their papers/articles in the conference. In the same way, I had witnessed SU hosting the Conference on Entrepreneurship and Business Development (CEB2015) in April 2015; it was really a joyful experience.

Both conferences shed light on how important it is to have a platform to share your educational experiences. They’re also an opportunity to create a network that could help me later in my career.

My Coaches

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Ustaad Ibrahim Hamud and Ustad Abdinasser Moallem were my life coaches and role models and still they are. I loved to attend their classes and listen their talks. They taught me the habit of reading, goal setting tips, thinking critically and how to go forward in life. Furthermore, I also used to enjoy the lectures and talks of Dr. Bashir Abdisamad Hared. Honestly, he is a walking dictionary! There has been another lecturer, writer and blogger who taught me lots through online education, Mohamed Muse Hassan. He opened my eyes and showed me the world of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

I attended many online courses offered by international universities based in Singapore, USA, China and UK..... Apart from the knowledge I gained from these courses, they also reinstated my confidence in SIMAD University's high standard quality and academic excellence. I couldn't overcome the challenges of MOOCs without the help of my prior studies. Most of the students fail to complete the courses for various reasons. For example, self-discipline and a strong basic knowledge of the subject were two of the main requirements to succeed in the online world. SIMAD University helped me with latter one – a strong foundation. This goes against those who criticize the level of the local knowledge.

Statistics showed that the 'Introduction To Astronomy' online course offered by Duke University through Coursera was enrolled by 60,000 students and less than 6% of the students has successfully completed that course—It needs much efforts to attend such MOOCs. Being part of that 6% makes me proud of the work of my university.

A Dream Came True!

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I always had a passion for writing but I struggled to find the know-how. After attending too many motivational lectures held at SIMAD and others through online, I developed a reading habit. Later, the idea of writing came in my mind and the desire of writing came, too. I searched an area that I was passionate about. One day in September 2014, while I was visiting a bookstore, I looked at the shelves and noticed a book called, Tafseerul Ahlaam. “If you were to publish its translation in Somali language, it would be considered a valuable edition,” I told myself.

I took the book and started to do the job. After 9 months of translation and correction of the Somali language, the book was ready for publication in May 2015. Fortunately, SOMANE FOUNDATION (based in Beledweyn) sponsored all the publication costs. Five hundred (500) copies were published; the readers of the book gave a positive feedback. Apart from the book signing events held in different places in Mogadishu, the appreciation event held by my classmates at SIMAD’s main hall was so special to me. They touched me with that gesture. That moment will always remain in my heart.

August 20, 2015 was another day, with the help of SIMAD’s Senate,my 2^nd book ‘Quraanka & Seyniska’ was published and I showcased at the first ever Mogadishu International Book Fair. The book fair was one of the best things happened to me personally.

My Final Days at SIMAD University

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June 11^th, 2016, is a day that will remain in my heart forever. It’s the end of wonderful four years and the beginning of beautiful journey. I sat for the last and final exam of my (first) undergrad degree at SIMAD University. Hard work, faith, perseverance and support from Allah and my family have helped me get through all these experiences.

Finally, I’m very grateful to share my exciting moments with you and that I am a proud SIMAD University graduate. Thank you, SIMAD University.