BridgeTO Youth Superstars: Abdirizak
We are excited to introduce snapshots of some of our remarkable students from the BridgeTO graduating class of 2020. They have not only mapped out their dreams into actionable goals but have begun to take their first steps to achieve them. This Spring 2020 we will be highlighting a few who have generously shared their stories with us in order to better reflect who we serve, who you are helping with your donations, and to motivate our future students.
Future Journalist Extraordinaire
Abdirizak, Future Journalist Extraordinaire
Before BridgeTO, Abdirizaks’ idea of a future was rather hazy. He knew it would include a good job that would make money and he thought that business was the main path to both of those things. Carried by the swell of exterior expectations, he pursued math, a subject that he just could not fall into like with but was necessary for business studies, and doggedly persisted on taking higher-level math classes well into grade 12. His need for help led to our founder, Sammer, who was in the midst of creating BridgeTO, convincing him to join her after school math tutoring sessions. The establishment of BridgeTO helped him in numerous ways. Abdirizak committed to two years of tutoring, attending various BridgeTO events and networking. It was this journey that helped him clarify that journalism was his calling and what he wanted his future to be.
Abdirizak and BridgeTO Youth visit to TVO
He realized that he was not only doing well and enjoying English but that he was also a much better writer than a math student. When he began to shed the stigma of the cliché that is “follow what you love,” he realized his strength in writing and enjoyment of the English language was not a loss. Coupled with the realization that business was not the only path to a successful and rewarding future career he began to search elsewhere. He had the opportunity to attend a BridgeTO event at TVO where he heard from Nam Kiwanuka, host of The Agenda in The Summer, and Jeyan Jeganathan, Ontario Hubs Field Producer. That is where he stumbled upon journalism and learned about the importance of diverse points of view in media. It was the “voices of doubters” that further strengthened his resolve to apply to the Ryerson journalism program.
BridgeTO Youth had the opportunity to meet Steve Paikin on the sets of The Agenda
“I decided I wanted to do something I wanted rather than what others expected.”
Abdirizak’s 5-year plan includes enrolling full-time in the very competitive 4-year journalism program at Ryerson University. Motivated by the recommendation of BridgeTO tutors he also plans to seek out co-ops in order to better expand his experience and network. In his own words, “Journalism is a field where you have to put yourself out there, stand out, do things outside of the box, and work hard.”
Abdirizak courageously questioning the panelists at the MAX Business launch
Abdrizak feels that his calm persona and ability to recharge from being in his own space are integral to his success strategy. He also attests that characteristics like working hard, being comfortable working in groups, and on his own, as well as his cool presence of mind during presentations and speeches are key. He feels that his greatest mistake thus far has been trying to fulfill other people’s expectations and not being true to himself. He is grateful for his two years with BridgeTO, the volunteers, and unique events, for encouraging him to pursue his field of interest. His last words of advice? “Be yourself, believe in yourself, and don’t give in to doubters.”