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I'm Coming to Keene State: Iid Sheikh-Yusuf

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Iid Sheikh-Yusuf
Iid Sheikh-Yusuf

Iid Sheikh-Yusuf has come a long way to attend Keene State College this fall. A native of Somalia, Sheikh-Yusuf spent his youth in neighboring Ethiopia before coming to the U.S. at the age of 15. “I always wanted to come to America. When I got here I was so happy,” said Sheikh-Yusuf, who was reunited with his father who had been in the United States for several years. “It was like a dream come true.”

Sheikh-Yusuf, who now resides with his family in Portland, ME, plans on majoring in Management at Keene State and competing on the Owls’ cross country and track teams. “We thought Keene State was a great place for me to learn and also continue my running career,” he said.

Sheikh-Yusuf is also fond of history and says he wants to learn all he can about his adopted country.

Although it took him a while to get accustomed to American customs and learn English, Sheikh-Yusuf thrived at Deering High School in Portland, ME, where he was a top cross country and track runner. A soccer enthusiast growing up, Sheikh-Yusuf didn’t begin running until his sophomore year at Deering High. “I was on my way to soccer practice and ran into a friend who convinced me to join the cross country team,” said Sheikh-Yusuf.

Making strides every season, Sheikh-Yusuf won the Western Maine Class A Cross Country championship and went on to finish third at the State championship as a senior. He also excelled on the track, placing third in the 3,200-meter race at the Maine Outdoor Track meet.

Looking forward to arriving on campus this fall, Sheikh-Yusuf received a special welcome on the Keene State cross country and track Twitter page.

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