MSU is a home away from home to almost 4,000 international students, totaling to nearly 10% of the student population. From all corners of the globe, these students diversify the campus and add a special perspective on higher education. Sophomore Sharmaake Sabrie is a unique one of these extraordinary additions to MSU- his story is themed with ambition, eagerness to change the world, and commitment to education.
In 1992, the world watched humanitarian disaster unfold in Somalia. According to Human Rights Watch, approximately 300,000 refugees crossed the Kenyan-Somali border that year; one of them, 16 years later, would be one of Michigan State's brightest and most determined students.
At only five years old, Sabrie fled his home with his mother when militia men raided it on a killing spree. Civil war between the Social Democratic Movement and Somali National Alliance devastated the country throughout the early 1990s, causing many refugees to move to Kenya for asylum.
Sabrie lived in Kenya until 2005, when he came to Michigan alone as a refugee seeking political asylum. From 2005-2007, he attended high school in Detroit and attended night and summer school in order to graduate in two years. "In certain ways it was hard, but it was doable," he said, "Education is the most important thing to me." Sabrie emphasizes his commitment to education by working with the Ford Motor Company High School Partnership, which encourages and assists Detroit students in graduating from high school.
In 2007, Sabrie was awarded a scholarship to attend MSU. "The admissions office was very helpful- the woman was kind and showed that she really cared about education and saw that I have showed tremendous devotion to my education." Entering as a pre-med student, he has changed his major to Political Science, focusing on foreign affairs.
After being introduced to the RCPD as a freshman, he values Valerie Nilson, learning disabilities specialist, as having a large impact on his college experience. "Val is one of those progressive people- I respect her devoting her time to students. I understand it can be a hard job, but she sincerely cares. People with disabilities are so courageous to me. People have no eyes to see and they sometimes do better than us. I admire them."
Moreover, Sabrie believes RCPD has impacted him greatly. "I've learned a lot from the RCPD. They helped me in a tremendous way with my disabilities, especially reading faster. Val is more than an advisor- she is a mentor and I learn a lot of wisdom from her," he said.
Sabrie was involved in Students for Barack Obama throughout the presidential election. His interest in politics comes from a desire to promote peace in the world. He describes envisioning a world where diversity is appreciated and people work together to form a more positive world. He looks for integrity in global leaders, saying, "I want to see someone who is for everyone- someone who unites people to understand each other. We can stop violence and change the world."
In the future, Sabrie would like to get involved in the global campaign for human rights. "I want to work in the United Nations to help people really in need, especially refugees. I understand how hard it is to find a country to host you." After his experience seeking asylum in the US, he understands that many struggle to have the opportunities he has had; however, he emphasizes that education has been his greatest opportunity. He says, "Education is very important. As a refugee I realize that you can lose everything- your family, property- nothing is guaranteed. But, you cannot lose your education."
Sabrie's commitment resonates in his career goals and everyday life. He states, "The world can be changed by education. If we invest in this, future generations will be more peaceful than we are. Ignorance tips the eyes of the world." As for his fellow students, his advice comes from his global perspective. "Be leaders. Leadership starts from the ground up, so try to understand the diversity of students at MSU. Help your fellow students and countrymen," said Sabrie.