Makhfira Abdullahi
Major: Political Science - International Relations
First Generation Student?: Yes
Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024
Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hello everyone! I'm Makhfira Abdullahi (she/her), and I am a current Political Science/International Relations Major at Eleanor Roosevelt College (ERC). Growing up in Southeast San Diego as a Black Muslimah has been a bittersweet experience, to say the least, and I can confidently say that the environment of my upbringing, has left a major influence on my career choice. Being able to be exposed to social justice-related issues within my community, has inspired me to take upon this field, in order to ensure justice and equity amongst my people and in the grand schemes of things, the world. To explain, my experience within politics and social justice can be described on a grassroots level, as I have been able to organize with coalitions within my city and neighborhood, to advocate on issues such as defunding school police, gentrification awareness, ensuring COVID-19 resources, and overall, instilling an environment of inclusivity and community. In terms of specific roles, I currently serve as an active member of the Youth Congress for the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), an organizing hub within City Heights, San Diego, that is dedicated to advancing the full economic, social, & civic inclusion of refugees. In lieu of such, I also serve as a UCAN Student Ambassador for UCSD, Orientation Leader for ERC, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties Volunteer, and lastly, participating in a myriad of phone banking campaigns, as a method of digital organizing. Moreover, in terms of past involvements, I have had the amazing privilege of serving as the Research Team Lead for Defund School Police San Diego, Young Legislator for California's 79th State Assembly District, and Youth Ambassador for the San Diego International Rescue Committee. With such involvements, I have had the opportunity to be exposed to a plethora of resources, mentors, and life skills, that have aided in my transition to a four-year university, and I plan to abide by them, as well as add to them, as I navigate throughout my academic and professional career. Being able to view hardship while simultaneously growing up with a culture of collectiveness has allowed me to pursue my passion in Political Science with a mindset of consistent innovation, as change must be constant, whether it be in regards to our governmental system or even racial disparities within the Political Science field as a whole. Thus, I advocate for individuals who look like me or share a similar upbringing, as I understand how difficult it is to enter such prestigious and exclusive spaces, that lack representation and equity, and I hope that my time at UCSD will aid in abolishing such. That being said, my position as a Political Science student at UCSD will be one of difference, as I plan to bring lived experiences to the table, along with a plan for change, and that starts right here within my own community.
What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: Upon graduating from UC San Diego, I intend to hopefully attend Law School, with a concentration in either the fields of Civil Rights, International Law, and Immigration Law. Whether this be the true turnout of my future or not, I would like to say that I anticipate working pro-bono, with individuals within my community or wherever I end up, as communities of color tend to be overlooked disproportionately within our Justice System. Thus, being able to advocate for families not just on a professional level, but also on a personal level, is extremely important to me, as being able to provide comfort and confidentiality is key, along with overall relatability. Along with Law School, I would also like to work with Non-Profit organizations within my city and essentially, remain organizing on a grassroots level, regardless of the career choice I end up with. Beyond academics and profession, I also aim to travel, as this is a luxury I have always admired since childhood, but have never gotten the opportunity to truly participate in. I would like to visit my home country of Ethiopia, the region of Oromia, and explore as much as I physically can, along with immersing myself in the art, food, sights, and people of every country I hopefully visit. All in all, these are just a few of my post-graduate goals, and I look forward to cherishing my time at UCSD before I embark upon my ambitions.