For Mohamed “Momed” Abdiraham, the path to the commencement stage did not begin with ambition; it began with hesitation.
“I lowkey did not want to apply. I saw all these really capable students[…], and I felt like they deserved it more than me,” Abdiraham said.
Now, just weeks away from graduation, the business administration marketing major will stand in front of his class as Hamline’s student commencement speaker. Almost a full circle moment, years in the making.
Abdirahman, who has built his college experience through involvement across campus. A former member of Hamline Undergraduate Student Congress (HUSC), participant in the Hamline African Student Association and current admissions ambassador, his resume reflects a commitment to community. Still, he didn’t initially see himself as the one at the podium.
It took persistence from friends forwarding emails, nudging him to apply, for him to take the leap. He submitted his application on the final day.
“I’ve always wanted to be a class speaker. I was close in high school and didn’t get it. So this feels like a spin back,” Abdirahman said.
As graduation approaches, the moment feels both exciting and surreal.
“It feels unreal. I’m excited to be done, but it’s also scary. School has been my whole life,” Abdirahman said.
That reflection has pushed him to make the most of his final weeks attending campus events, showing up to games and trying to experience what he once overlooked.
It’s also shaped the advice he offers underclassmen: get involved early and often.
“Join a student org. Go to events. Don’t judge something before trying it. That’s how you meet people and build skills you’ll actually use later,” Abdirahman said.
Beyond campus roles and academics, Abdirahman is still defining who he is outside of school. He describes himself as someone who values learning, creativity and community. Photography has become a key outlet, allowing him to capture moments and express himself in ways words cannot.
“Photography is definitely my outlet, I just capture the beauty of the world as it is,” Abdirahman said.
That perspective extends to its broader worldview. Raised in Minneapolis with roots in Kenya and Ethiopia, Abdirahman speaks often about community, the environment, awareness and giving back. He hopes to spend time volunteering after graduation and staying engaged locally.
“I want to be a good community member. Everything I’ve done here is practice for the real world,” Abdirahman said.
His journey has not been without a fair deal of challenges. As a Muslim African American man from a low income background, Abdirahman has faced discrimination and systemic barriers. Though rather than letting those experiences define him, he uses them as motivation.
“I’m not going to let negative energy make me a miserable person; I use it to keep doing the right thing and stand up for others,” Abdirahman said.
That sense of purpose, grounded in resilience and shaped by family, especially his mother, will likely carry into his commencement speech. While he did not preview exactly what he’ll say, his message is clear: keep pushing for more, and stay connected to the people around you. Community is everything to Abdirahman.
“Go out, meet people, build connections. That’s how everything starts,” Abdirahman said.
From a last minute decision to a defining moment, Abdirahman’s story is less about standing out and more about stepping up and into the hearts of all around him.
