Alumni Profile: Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Artsci'11
When Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Artsci鈥11, began studying at Queen鈥檚, he had a vague idea about what his future career might be. As he progressed through his degree in Gender Studies, and immersed himself into student activities such as writing for the Queen鈥檚 Journal, it became clear that journalism would be his chosen career path.
Just a few years after graduating, Mr. Abdelmahmoud was in his 鈥渄ream job鈥 as online producer for The Agenda with Steve Paikin , TV Ontario鈥檚 flagship current affairs program. Today, as Social Media Specialist, he manages social media for all current affairs and documentaries with TVO.
A bona-fide 鈥淜ingston boy,鈥 Mr. Abdelmahmoud attended Bayridge Secondary School and chose Queen鈥檚 for its excellent reputation in undergraduate studies and for its proximity to home. Even though he remained in his hometown, he felt as though a whole new world had opened up for him once he became a Queen鈥檚 student.
鈥淚 felt as though I was learning all the time, even when I didn鈥檛 always attend class,鈥 he admits. As an opinion writer for the Queen鈥檚 Journal , president of the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society, and student senator in the Alma Mater Society, combined with a continual dose of intellectual discussion with professors and students, sparked Mr. Abdelmahmoud鈥檚 interest in the world around him.
鈥淎ll these ingredients propelled me toward journalism. I was increasingly aware of the issues that concerned students and society as a whole. I am fortunate to still be able to tell those stories at TV Ontario,鈥 he says.
A journalist with strong opinions is always a good thing, and when asked the perennial question regarding higher education 鈥 the value of a humanities degree 鈥 Mr. Abdelmahmoud has no problem positing his ideas.
鈥淔or me, a humanities degree was instrumental in pursuing journalism. I am able to connect the dots, to really understand cause and effect of situations, to gain insight into root problems of social issues,鈥 he says. 鈥淪tudying the humanities teaches you how to think critically and deeply, and to develop a world view. I feel I can contribute with an open mind,鈥 he says.
Mr. Abdelmahmoud now lives in Toronto with his wife Emily Burns, Artsci鈥09, MA鈥12. It鈥檚 a safe bet we will hear more about him as a young, up and coming Canadian journalist.
