Name: Mawal Sidi
Major: International Relations
Minor: Communications
Hometown: I was born in Somalia; however, now I live in Decatur, Georgia
Favorite childhood memory: Growing up in a diverse community, with our neighbors being from the Dominican Republic, Sudan, Bosnia, and other countries, I was exposed to many cultures from a young age. Some of my favorite memories were trying food from around the world and playing with kids from different countries.
Favorite spot in DC: My favorite spot in DC is the Lincoln Memorial. I know that is a cliché answer, but I love the way that it overlooks the city and how beautiful it is at night.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat: Rice and chicken. I could eat that all day.
Dream job: My dream job is to be Beyonce. Just kidding. My dream job is to be involved in something that is both humanitarian and political. I do not know exactly what my job would be, but I know that I want to work in international development, specifically in Somalia, in order to work with NGOs or the government to help further the country’s progression.
If you could change one thing about AU, what would it be: I believe that the school should have greater diversity amongst its faculty. The way I see it, if there is a student who comes from a place where they are not exposed to different cultures and backgrounds, and they make an ignorant comment, it is important to have professors from diverse backgrounds who would be able to address this situation and stop this cycle of ignorance from perpetuating. Also, I would really appreciate it if we could replaced Freshii with Cava.
If you could talk to anyone alive or dead right now, who would it be?: I would choose to talk to my grandparents because I was never able to meet them in person. I need them to give me a good history lesson about my family and where we come from.
Celebrity crush: Jason Momoa
If you could live in one place for the rest of your life, where would you live: Even though I don’t remember Somalia, I have this urge to return home so I would probably choose to live there.
Favorite music: I love Spanish and Indian music. My favorite Spanish song is “Amor” by Tito el Bambino, and my favorite Hindi song is, there are a lot, but my two favorites are “Tumhiho” and “Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam”.
If you could be a disney princess, which one would you be: Even though my favorite disney movie is Hercules, I would be the fierce, the one and only, Mulan.
Most inspirational person in your life: My dad. I love my dad to death. I think he is an amazing person. I don’t even know where to start. All our lives, he has taught us to go after our dreams and always put education first. Coming from a Somali community, people tend to be more cautious with their daughters, which can cause some girls to be limited in what they are able to do. When I told my dad that I wanted to come all the way to DC for school, he was very supportive and has never held me back from pursuing my dreams.