We love to see debaters putting their leadership skills into action! Abdihafid (Abdi) Mohamed recently became the new MPS Board of Education Student Representative for Northside Schools.

Abdi is an 11th grader at Edison High School and is heavily involved on campus, participating in AVID, Debate, NHS, wrestling, track, as well as being an intern at the Hennepin County Library.

Members of the CityWide interview panel noted “his willingness to learn, his confidence, global perspective, understanding the need for accountability, representation, and shared successes.”

Abdi tells us:

Something that inspired me to run for the student rep position was the districts constant need for student/youth voice. I’m a firm believer in reaching for the sky and doing anything your heart desires. I saw the position opening and thought to myself, why not me? Self doubt is an obstacle I will never see myself failing to push past.

Abdi is a member of the MNUDL and was a semifinalist in our Citywide Championship, taking home the 3rd place speaker award as well. Abdi shares,

The story of me joining debate is actually funny. I have to give credit to my teammate Rey for peer pressuring me! I’m glad that he gave me that push. I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t met the debate team as-well as the amazing coaches.

We look forward to seeing Abdi translate his policy skills from the tournament space to the real world as he shares his leadership with Minneapolis Public Schools. Abdi concludes,

To me, leadership means setting an example of excellence and hard work. Change can never come without challenge, and it takes real leaders to understand and be the foundation for others.