Abdulqadir Abdi Diriye
B.S., cum laude, Diagnostic Ultrasound–Cardiovascular, 2019
Cardiac Physiologist, University of Washington – Northwest Heart Institute
“Civility is a core value to human existence, and it can be defined differently, but it is being, kindness, politeness, compassion and above all rejecting the inferiority of human beings to one another. On the other hand, incivility is a common part of our society. We see it on a frequent basis, much to my disappointment and to others around me as well. In order to promote civility, we need unity and love among ourselves regardless of our ethnic background, national origin or belief. Together, we can protect the fundamental pillars of civility.”
Abdulqadir Abdi Diriye, August 2017
Abdul Diriye was born in Somalia, East Africa. He moved to the United States at the age of 17. In 2003, he graduated from Chief Sealth High School with honors. Today, he has a wife and five children, and he is the first in his family to receive a college education. He hopes to join Cardiostart International, a global volunteer heart-care team that provides a critical cardiac care for patients in impoverished countries. Abdul is working as Cardiac Physiologist in the Cardiovascular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Department at the University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest Heart Institute.
Education: South Seattle College, Associate of Arts, 2017
Service:
Volunteer, Somali Health Board of Washington State, 2015–present
Volunteer, Highline Medical Center, 2014
Chaperone, White Center Heights Elementary, 2014–present
Awards/Honors:
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Alfie Scholars, Seattle University, 2017
Xavier Scholarship, Seattle University, 2017
Dean’s List, South Seattle College, 2012–2015
Seattle Colleges, Charles H. Mitchell Scholarship, 2003
President's Education Awards, 2003
National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, 2003
SU Major: Diagnostic Ultrasound-Cardiovascular, 2019
Goals: As a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and an active member of the Somali Health Board of Washington State, I plan on actively volunteering at health screening centers in Seattle and across the world. My objective is to support all patients during their medical treatment by developing vivid medical images. These images will ensure that the patients can receive the best treatment possible. Today, the increasing need for professional medical imaging technologists has reached a crisis point in the developing world. Physicians in the developing world are practicing medicine in a stressful environment because of the scarcity of professional medical teams. As a graduate of Seattle University, an Alfie Scholar, and a Certified Sonographer I will be able to achieve my goals.
Civility: Civility is a core value to human existence, and it can be defined differently, but it is being, kindness, politeness, compassion and above all rejecting the inferiority of human beings to one another. On the other hand, incivility is a common part of our society. We see it on a frequent basis, much to my disappointment and to others around me as well. In order to promote civility, we need unity and love among ourselves regardless of our ethnic background, national origin or belief. Together, we can protect the fundamental pillars of civility.
Autobiography: I was born in Somalia, East Africa. I immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. I speak several languages including English, Somali and Swahili. I am the first in my family to have the courage to dream of a college education. Neither of my parents has even a high school education. However, they have always convinced me to value knowledge. Although I graduated from Chief Sealth International High School with outstanding academic achievements, I was unable to pursue my dream of college education, and instead I chose to focus on work to support my family back in Somalia. In the winter of 2012, I finally decided to go back to school. Unfortunately, I could not commit to being a fulltime student because I had four kids who were dependent on me. I maintained a forty-hour shift doing customer care, and with my meager resources I managed to support my family. While I was balancing family, school, and work, I also did volunteer work for several organizations. In 2016, I earned my Associate of Arts degree at South Seattle College. In my spare time I play soccer for fun. The Alfie Scholars Program at Seattle University will enable me to achieve my ambition of becoming a civic leader in our society while maintaining the professional skills of a sonographer.
