Power of Community’ key to finding belonging: Mohammad Akib Hossain
“Back in 2021, when I was asked to pack 20 years of my life in just two suitcases, I didn’t know what to pack other than some thermal clothes and a heart full of hope; hopes of building bridges across cultures, learning from others, and sharing my own heritage,” Mohammad Akib Hossain said during his acceptance speech for the 2024 Youth Leadership Award.
“But what I did not know, was that I was stepping into a whole different universe, where there was going to be a bunch of challenges thrown at me, and I didn’t know what to expect,” he added.
“As an international student, the transition wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I felt isolated, trying to transition into a new culture, the education system, and most importantly the weather that my thermal jackets did not prepare me for.
“At times, I felt like an outsider, and I wondered if I even belonged here. But those were the moments when I learned the importance of resilience, and the power of community.”
Over the last three years, Hossain noted that he had been fortunate to have collaborated with ‘inspiring individuals’ from University of Regina Students Union, UNICEF Canada, the United Nations Association in Canada, the Regina Public Interest Research Group, the Carillon Newspaper, and many others
“Through these experiences, I have learned how people from different backgrounds facing different struggles can come together to create something greater than themselves. Those roles have given me the platform to not only speak up for others but also create the kind of community where everyone feels included and heard.
Hossain added that he remains committed to promoting the celebration of diversity and fostering unity across cultural backgrounds.
“This [award] is to all my mentors, all my peers, and all the organizations I’ve been a part of. Thank you so much for believing in me and thank you so much for letting me serve.”
To learn more about Mohammad Akib Hossain’s impact, watch his nominee video on our website HERE.
-All photos taken by Regina photographer Danielle Tocker.
