Alumni Spotlight: Abdallah Al-Obaidi

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

The 21st Century Leaders program has been the cornerstone of my American journey since my arrival from Jordan, providing me with invaluable insights into the complexities of the American educational system and the requirements of the intricate college application process. Beyond mere preparation, 21CL has shaped my personal and professional identity, seamlessly integrating academic excellence with a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and fostering a profound sense of self-awareness. This transformative experience has not only demystified the college application process but has also equipped me with the crucial skill of self-advocacy. As I stand at the threshold of my collegiate journey, I carry with me the indelible impact of 21CL, which goes beyond academic preparation to prepare me for a leadership role within both the college and the broader community, laying the foundation for a future marked by meaningful contributions to society.

What’s your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.)

One of the standout and enlightening moments from my tenure at 21CL was undeniably the transformative experience during the etiquette workshop, which immersed us in the art of proper dining. For someone who just moved to the US at the time, the guidance on the nuances of tableware utilization, the graceful passing of food, and the adept use of nonverbal cues to signify the ongoing or completed nature of one’s meal left a long-lasting impact, one I am often thankful and reminiscent of.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how? 

At the time, it would be an overstatement to say I was a leader in any sense. I was knee-deep in figuring out life after moving to the US. As I progressed through the crucible of higher education, the understanding that anyone can be a leader, even of a team of two, became evident, but the true essence lies in leading effectively—a nuanced interplay between knowing when to lead and when to follow. 21CL unknowingly set me up with the knack for being a good team player, teaching me that effective leadership is this dance between leading and following that makes a real impact.

Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?

21CL took a chance on me when I first came to the US. I am an example of what investing in your community looks like: a former Iraqi refugee who fled the war has made it to college, and now medical school. Working hard alone would not have helped me come this far. I was lucky, but I have since learned the subtle art of getting lucky.

“Getting lucky” is not about random chances. Rather, it is about looking for and creating opportunities, about being able to find the silver linings even in the middle of the darkest clouds, and to insist on being seen, despite, and in spite, of all I went through as a refugee.