REFLECTIONS from Thriving Students

Ibrahima — Hobart and William Smith

Life Update: Life after High school has been amazing, and I have experienced so muchgrowth. I am still working towards achieving my goals. I have participated in various organizations that have helped me build connections and develop the skills I might need in the future. I love my school and the environment. The community is supportive, and there are many resources available to help with academic success and mental health.

Scholarship: This scholarship has made life so much easier for me and my parents. I spent two years in school without having to ask anyone for money, and I didn’t have to worry about working during the semester. This allowed me to be a full-time student and really focus on my academics. I want to thank The Widened Circle Society, for helping me through the college application process and for guiding me in choosing the college that was best for me. At HWS; I have found my place, my community, and I have fallen in love with the environment here. I wish the scholarship lasted for four years, but as they say, “great things don’t last.” I am grateful to the donor for this opportunity, and I
hope for more opportunities like this that support my academic journey. In the future, I hope to be able to do the same for others.

I’m entering my junior year and majoring in Business and Management. Here is my LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahima-a-0974762b0.

My crew and I established a club called the African Student Association to provide a sense of belonging for individuals like myself and others from African backgrounds within the HWS community. In a predominantly white institution (PWI), it’s common for many students to feel isolated. Our organization aims to create a welcoming space for these students.

Through this club, we host events that bring the community together
and allow us to learn about the diverse backgrounds and cultures of individuals. Our goal is to foster love, unity, and support among all members who participate in our events. Although we focus on the African association, we welcome individuals of all races and identities, ensuring that everyone feels included and heard.

This school year, I had the opportunity to welcome the incoming freshmen. It was a fun experience, although it lasted only one
week. I enjoyed getting to know the freshmen, and they expressed their appreciation for my guidance and for serving as a role model. My role during this time was to show them around campus and help them understand what being a freshman is like, as well as introduce them to the resources available to support their academic success