Spartans of UD - Dahir Webby

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Dahir Webby is a sophomore flight operations major. He grew up in Kenya before moving at the age of 12 to Doha, Qatar, where he completed the rest of his secondary education. Dahir is one of the many international students who have made UD their home away from home.

Where is home, and what is your life like there?

"Kenya is located in East Africa, a tropical region along the equator. Temperatures range between 60F to 90F throughout the year, so we don't experience extreme weather. The country is famous for its abundant wildlife - I used to see giraffes in reserves on my way to school. The food is amazing, and the people are incredibly giving. In contrast, Qatar is located in the Middle East, on the continent of Asia. It recently hosted the World Cup, which brought a lot of global attention. Qatar is very modern, especially in terms of technology. In mid-summer, temperatures can soar up to 130F, but the winter season is much cooler, around 60F to 70F. I used to go mountain biking over the dunes, with the stunning skyline in view. Late-night drives were another favorite activity, with vibrant city lights and colorful, immersive buildings lighting up the streets - there was always something to do."

Why did you decide to travel to the United States and study at UD?

"I traveled to the United States to pursue my flight operations and aviation management courses, obtain my certifications, and hopefully build a career in that path."

Can you describe an aspect of your culture you hope to share with people on campus? Also, what is an aspect of American culture you were excited to experience?

"Kenya is home to some of the world's best long-distance runners. These athletes are national heroes, and running is a deeply embedded part of our culture. Personally, I was excited about being able to wear regular clothes to class in the U.S. In Kenya, I attended a British school, so we had to wear uniforms every day, except on special occasions like the last day of the term. Not having to think about uniforms was something I really looked forward to."

What advice do you have for future international students?

"I understand that leaving your family behind can be overwhelming, but soon you'll find yourself enjoying your time here so much that you won't want to leave. You end up building a family away from home, which is essential for your personal growth. Just remember to surround yourself with the right people, and never forget the principles and morals you were raised with, as it's easy to be influenced by others."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"For me, the main draw to this university was its well-organized aviation program and state-of-the-art facilities. The people here are also very welcoming, and the campus has a wide range of diversity, which adds to the experience."