WSU student, Somali refugee champions outdoor recreation in Utah
OGDEN, Utah — Khadija Abdinasir was in seventh grade when she first fell in love with Utah’s great outdoors.
She was trying to settle in a new state, learn a new language and make new friends. Abdinasir and her family had recently moved from a refugee camp in Kenya, where they were temporarily living after leaving their home country of Somalia.
“We came here for education, as well as safety,” Abdinasir said.
Once in Utah, she attended a private school in Salt Lake City, where a middle school teacher invited Abdinasir to try new activities like sports and outdoor recreation.
“She got me outside and showed me how things work,” Abdinasir said. “She showed me that I could do it.”
That moment stuck with Abdinasir. She discovered a passion for athletics and adventure, whether playing volleyball, skateboarding or rock climbing.
And now, she gets to share that passion with others. Abdinasir is pursuing a degree in Weber State University’s Outdoor & Community Recreation Education program, which prepares students for careers in the recreation industry.
When she graduates, she hopes to be a guide climber so she can welcome others to the sport she loves.
“In my years of climbing, I’ve never seen a Muslim guide climber — or anyone that appreciates climbing as I do with my religion and the way I dress,” she said. “But you can do this sport no matter your race or how you dress.
This semester, Abdinasir is a teaching assistant in an outdoor rock climbing class, and she loves helping participants learn the skills needed to safely enjoy the outdoors.
She said she stays motivated by all the opportunities that surround her: “Not everyone has the privilege to do these things.”
In April, Abdinasir went on a study abroad trip to New Zealand, where she learned about the indigenous Māori people and their perspectives on health, physical activity and recreation. She also has an on-campus job in WSU’s Office of the Registrar.
“Everything I learn, I want to give back to the community,” she said.
That goal has become even more important to Abdinasir since her seventh grade teacher passed away in an ice climbing accident last year.
Though there are many places Abdinasir hoped they’d be able to explore together, she knows she’d be making her teacher proud by helping others enjoy the outdoors.
“This is something she would be happy I’m doing,” Abdinasir said. “Helping others achieve what she helped me achieve.”
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu