HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - When he was getting ready for his senior year at North Hagerstown High School, Ibrahim Diallo, 17, knew he wanted to do something he had never done before.
“I just wanted to challenge myself with something new, something big, and end my senior year on a big note,” Ibrahim said.
So he applied and was elected to be the student representative on the Washington County Board of Education by the membership of the Association of Student Councils.
His one-year term runs from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2018.
“I find myself working on an adult-like schedule. I’ll be in school and doing stuff for the board, and I’ll be missing school and going to meetings,” Ibrahim said.
“I’ve really been focusing a lot on being a good student representative and being able to advocate for my students well in front of these adults, who are expecting a lot from me,” he said.
Government is not a new concept to Ibrahim.
He has been involved in student government since sixth grade in various positions, including treasurer in eighth grade, and junior class vice president last year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and plays recreational basketball.
“I’ve always found myself wanting to challenge the limits of how far I can go. I’m never satisfied with complacency,” he said.
Kim Janifer, English teacher and department leader at North Hagerstown High, has known and taught Ibrahim for four years.
She said he is a passionate learner.
“Ibrahim is a compassionate young man who is truly interested in the well-being of others,” Janifer said. “In English class, he’s a dedicated student who can often be found looking at the nuances of his writing, rewriting and focusing on creating an impact through the power of words.”
Ibrahim was born in Silver Spring and moved to Hagerstown when he was 8 years old. He has three younger siblings who also are in the Washington County Public Schools system.
Ibrahim hasn’t selected a career path yet. He’s expanding his options, applying to colleges locally and far away. He’s applied to more than 10 schools ahead of their early-action deadlines.
“I really don’t believe that as a 17-year-old, 18-year-old, that I should really be exactly knowing what I want to do in my future and investing all of my money in a major that I’m not going to enjoy,” Ibrahim said.
Even though his major is undecided, he is considering a career in politics.
“I kind of indicated that I wanted to go into political science,” Ibrahim said. “I’m not sure how far I’m going to go with that, but I’m interested in politics. I’m interested in governance and how things work, and I always want to be the change in what does happen.”
Janifer is looking forward to seeing Ibrahim succeed in whatever he chooses.
“My hope for his future is that Ibrahim will continue to develop his leadership skills, continue to impact the world through kindness and continue to foster his love of learning,” Janifer said.
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Information from: The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Md., http://www.herald-mail.com
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