|
From War-Torn Streets to University Halls: Monir Masoud's Inspiring Story
Monir Masoud is a seasoned higher education professional with over 15 years of experience in student success. With a strong foundation in enrollment and academic advising, Monir Masoud is dedicated to guiding students towards graduation. As the Director of Community College Pathways, Monir Masoud oversees partnerships and initiatives that facilitate smooth transitions for both transfer students and community college employees.
Prior to assuming this role, Monir Masoud earned degrees in Business/Sales, Communications/PR/Marketing, and Organizational Leadership from Deltion College, Applied Science University of Windesheim, and Northern Illinois University, respectively. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Innovation, Monir Masoud brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their position.
What's your personal story?
My name is Monir Masoud. I was born in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, into a family of seven, including my parents and five brothers. I am the second eldest in the family. I am a war refugee, and this is my story.
My journey began at a young age when my family was forced to leave our home country due to the civil war in Afghanistan in 1992. From that moment on, we embarked on a journey across the world in search of a better life. Each new country I entered became a classroom, teaching me valuable lessons and offering new opportunities to start over. Despite the constant challenges, education remained our top priority, no matter where we found ourselves. After several years of travel, we finally found refuge in the Netherlands, where my parents requested asylum. It was there that we began to build a sense of normalcy, free from the constant worry of migration. Here, I restarted my educational journey, this time with the determination to finish it and earn a diploma.
As we settled into life in the Netherlands, I continued my education. I earned my AA degree while working to pay for tuition. A few years later, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in the beautiful city of Zwolle. Along the way, I fell in love with a wonderful girl living in the US, who would eventually become my wife, despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship. In pursuit of more time together, I made the bold decision to move to the US, with the condition that I could continue my studies. I applied for a master's degree at National University and arrived in San Diego on a student visa. As my love for my wife grew stronger, so did my passion for education. I found fulfillment in not only expanding my own knowledge but also in sharing my experiences with other refugees and immigrants, offering them hope and guidance.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Several key moments have shaped my journey to where I am today. The first was when my family was forced to leave Afghanistan due to the civil war in 1992. This upheaval marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey across the world in search of safety and a better life. Another pivotal moment was when we found refuge in the Netherlands, where I began to rebuild my life and committed myself to education. Earning my AA degree while working to support my studies was a turning point that solidified my belief in the power of education to transform lives. Falling in love with my future wife, who lived in the United States, was another significant moment. It led me to make the bold decision to move to the US, where I continued my education by pursuing a master’s degree at National University. This move not only strengthened my relationship but also deepened my passion for learning. Finally, the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic became an opportunity to further my education and apply for a doctoral degree. This decision, along with my promotion to Director of Community College Pathways, represents the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Each of these moments, from fleeing my home country to pursuing advanced education in a new one, has been a stepping stone on the path to where I am today. They have taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the transformative power of education.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve comes from the experiences and challenges I've faced throughout my life. Growing up as a war refugee, I witnessed firsthand the struggles that come with being displaced, uncertain, and in search of a better life. My family's journey from Afghanistan to the Netherlands taught me the value of resilience, hope, and the importance of helping others along the way.
Education became my refuge and my way forward. It opened doors for me, allowing me to rebuild my life and eventually pursue opportunities I never thought possible. As I navigated these challenges, I realized how powerful education can be in transforming lives—not just my own, but also those of others in similar situations.
This realization ignited a deep desire within me to give back, particularly to refugees and immigrants who, like me, are striving to build a better future. My passion to serve is rooted in my own story of overcoming adversity, and it drives me to support others on their journeys. I want to offer them the same hope, guidance, and opportunities that helped me, ensuring that they, too, can achieve their dreams through education and perseverance.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED can help share the impact of my life’s journey by providing a platform to connect with individuals and organizations dedicated to education, equity, and social impact. My story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education. Through GlobalMindED, I can collaborate with others who are committed to creating pathways to success for underserved communities, particularly refugees and immigrants. Through this collaboration, I can continue to turn my personal story into a source of hope and guidance for those striving to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams through education.
| 
