Ibrahim Shah ’15: Indulge in Your Education

Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY

Awards and Leadership Positions:
Most Dedicated Student
Former Chief President of Brothers

What is the best advice you could give to a first year?

Don’t be afraid to branch out, meet new people, and try new things. College is the most beautifully selfish moment in your life. You should indulge yourself, find out who you want to be, take advantage of the opportunities, and the environment here to become that person.

One class that has shaped your opinion and how?

The most interesting class I’ve taken so far at Colgate is Philosophy of Mind with Professor Maura Tumulty. The course incorporates philosophical and scientific perspectives concerning the intersection of the mind, consciousness, and our overall mental lives. It has challenged both the scientist and philosopher in me.

Any leadership position you have had at Colgate or outside of Colgate you would like to expound upon?

I have always tried to be a leader in everything I do. At Colgate, I was the chief of Brothers, and I also served in other core positions within the group. I endeavored to continue the group’s mission statement of educating the community about issues men of color face through brown bags and guest speakers, creating a support network for men of color on campus, and supporting other interest groups focusing on diversity on campus.

I also served as the supervisor for the first responders on campus, as well as performing my duties as an EMT. I was responsible for shift scheduling, payroll, inventory of medical equipment, day-to-day operations for all student first responders on campus, and I also functioned as a first responder for the men’s rugby team.

Each summer, I serve as one of the supervisors for staff members for the Oliver Scholar Program (of which I am an alumnus) during its summer immersion program. The non-profit organization seeks to provide inner-city students of color with the opportunity to attend elite independent/prep schools in the United States. The summer immersion program vets and prepares candidates for the rigor of the independent school learning environment. I am responsible for standardized test prep classes, tutoring sessions, community building, community activities, and supervising all counselors and teaching assistants for the duration of the program.

How was your host family in Madrid, Spain?

I had a host mom. Her children were grown with kids of their own. My host mom was great. She gave me cooking lessons. I learned how to make traditional Spanish food like paella. She also took me to classical music concerts, plays, and theater. She is a patron of the Museo Nacional del Prado. Sometimes, she would take me as a plus-one, and the museum would give us private tours.

How has international education changed your perspective?

I went to Munich, Paris, and Amsterdam; I also traveled throughout Spain. I think having the opportunity to study abroad gave me a different perspective on learning and life. When you travel, you get to see the world through a different perspective–politically and morally. It forces you to question your beliefs, or it enforces them. Traveling gives you the opportunity to explore yourself.

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