Bangor Daily News
Sunday, May 19, 2013
At college commencement ceremonies across the country, it is not
unusual to hear stories about students who have overcome tremendous
obstacles in order to receive their degrees. Some have fled war-torn
countries, worked several jobs to pay for school or attended college in
an area where they didn’t really know anyone at all.
Jen Lynds, Abdigani
Ashkir (right) of Portland poses with a friend while another takes
their photo after commencement exercises at the University of Maine at
Presque Isle on Saturday. Buy Photo |
Abdigani Ashkir, who received his bachelor’s degree in criminal
justice from the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturday, is all
of those students in one. And the Portland resident did it in less than
three years, taking between five and seven courses a semester while
working and playing sports.
“I am very excited,” he said just before Saturday’s commencement
exercises. “It has been difficult at times, but the people at UMPI have
been so welcoming to me, and I have made a lot of great friends.”
Ashkir was one of 145 students who received degrees during the university’s 104th commencement exercises.
Ashkir was a young boy when his family moved to Kenya to escape
Somalia. The family split up and Ashkir moved to Sweden, where he
learned English. When he was 11, he was reunited with his mother and
siblings, who had by that time moved to Maine. He attended Portland High
School, graduating in 2008.
“My brother had decided to attend UMPI and told me about it and he
liked it a lot, so I decided to attend as well,” he said. “When I first
came to campus, I was a bit unsure, because I didn’t know too many
people. But I got involved in sports, and that helped me make a lot of
friends. And there are a lot of students at UMPI who are from other
countries. There is an international students club and so many different
cultures. It really is very welcoming.”
Ashkir majored in criminal justice, filling his day with as many
classes as possible. He continued to take courses through the summer and
spring breaks, cramming the rest of his time with studying, athletics
practices and games, and work. He never got lower than a B in any class.
Ashkir said he decided when he was in high school that he likely
would do something to help Somalis who have migrated to the state.
“I am interested in law school,” he said. “I would like to help people who need assistance with the legal system.”
He said he also may pursue a career with the Department of Homeland Security.
For now, however, he is happy to have one college degree to his name.
“I am glad that I can go back to be with my family and get a good job
and help support them,” he said. “That makes me very happy.”