Ibrahim Tahiru

When I graduated in 2023 with my Master of Arts in Educational Studies with a concentration in Research for Social Change from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, I didn't just earn a degree, I gained a transformative lens through which to view and impact the world.

UC exposed me to the complexities of international education, diverse curricula, and global perspectives that fundamentally shaped who I am today.

While I came to UC with professional experience working with marginalized communities in Ghana, my studies opened my eyes to the multifaceted nature of marginalization across different contexts, cultures, and systems.

Through rigorous coursework, meaningful interactions with peers and instructors, and the inclusive UC community, my passion for social justice and DEI advocacy was ignited and strengthened in ways I never imagined.

My journey to becoming a Bearcat began when I left Ghana to pursue graduate education in the United States, a decision that required courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

The transition was far from easy. I faced the challenges of cultural integration, navigated cultural shocks, and adapted to different modes of instructional delivery and curriculum structures that were vastly different from what I had known.

There were moments of uncertainty and adjustment, but these challenges did not break me they strengthened me. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, and each struggle reinforced my commitment to achieving academic excellence. My studies in Research for Social Change became the foundation upon which my advocacy work now stands.  

UC didn't just teach me research methodologies and theoretical frameworks; it instilled in me a deeper understanding of systemic inequities and equipped me with the tools to challenge them.

The experience solidified my belief that education is a powerful catalyst for social transformation. My commitment to service extends across borders.

I currently work in social services with marginalized populations throughout North America, including communities in both the United States and Canada. This work is deeply personal and purposeful it allows me to put into practice the principles of equity, dignity, and justice that UC helped me refine.

But my vision extends beyond North America. I am committed to expanding this work to Ghana, my home country, and across the African continent. Through training programs, educational initiatives, and mentorship opportunities, I aim to build capacity and create sustainable pathways for marginalized communities to thrive.

I believe that the knowledge and experience I've gained at UC and in my professional practice should be shared to uplift others and create lasting systemic change.

I am immensely proud to be a Bearcat. UC has improved my life in countless ways — through the friendships I formed, the opportunities I received, and the doors that were opened for me.

More importantly, UC taught me about the lived experiences of people from all walks of life, experiences I had never fully considered before. I learned about the realities faced by marginalized individuals, the importance of recognizing and celebrating differences, and the imperative of creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

UC helped me discover my purpose: to be a voice for social justice and to address pressing societal issues. I am committed to empowering future generations and being part of the collective effort to end discrimination in all its forms.

Being a Bearcat for life means carrying forward the values of inclusion, equity, and justice that UC instilled in me. It means using my education and platform to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.

And it means never forgetting that true success is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by how we lift others as we climb. UC didn't just give me a degree it gave me a mission. And for that, I will always be a Bearcat for life.