College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Graduate School

Along the path: Our journey at Clemson prepares us for what’s ahead

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We all take a different journey to get to Clemson. 

And it’s safe to say our experiences here look different from each other’s, and what comes next will, too. One thing is for certain: We made it to Clemson – no matter what life has thrown at us.

Two years ago, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Portland State University. I was the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and, this week, I will have also earned my Master of Architecture degree from Clemson. I could not have made it this far without the people who pushed me to do better and more, and I owe thanks to the communities that have shaped my vision of this beautiful but complex world we live in. 

Architectural drawing of bridge
The West Ashley bikeway and pedestrian bridge in Charleston. Mohamed was one of five graduate students who completed the project last fall.

I’ve always wanted to be an architect. I aim to build the bridges sustaining and harnessing this generation’s hopes and dreams. I want to commit my career to designing more sustainable and healthy structures for the communities that have shaped me, lifted me up, guided me and helped me grow as an individual. I’ve learned to always think bigger than my dreams. 

Indeed, I have encountered many difficulties along the way, some harder than others, but I learned to embrace the journey.

When I was 11 years old, I suffered from meningitis. I was in a coma for 10 days, and when I woke up, my hearing was gone. It opened the door to a new chapter in my life. But I was grateful I was still breathing. 

My journey wasn’t over. Little did I know it was just truly beginning. Instead of giving up, I learned to understand and appreciate the fact I was not the only one fighting to survive and those with disabilities can succeed. 

We can change the world no matter how hard it gets or how many times the world questions us.

When I woke up from my coma, I needed to learn my surroundings again. It was, and still is, one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. Education was the only rope I wanted to hold onto. It was both an escape and a relief from the pain and the ups and downs that came with hearing loss. I did not want to not fight; I wanted to rise up and keep moving. 

Education is our opportunity for learning, and for me, learning is about seeking opportunities in the most uncomfortable places. It is about embracing the differences we have as human beings, and most importantly, learning is about being curious and eager to explore and discover. 

And all I’ve ever wanted was to learn like others, and I’ve never taken my education for granted.

After graduating from Portland State University, like so many others, I chose Clemson.

There are many reasons, but the diversity of the curriculum and the opportunities that came with being a graduate student in the School of Architecture made it an easy choice. Although Clemson is not my hometown, I am grateful to call this place home – and it is. I only have great memories since I moved here. No matter how far I go, those memories will live with me because they helped shape a part of me that was missing. 

It’s not just my home. It has become home for so many of us.

To those of us graduating this week, and to the future Tigers who are getting ready to take our place, we are so lucky to call Clemson our home – and for the family we made here. Being part of the Clemson Family will follow you long after you leave the walls of Lee Hall and the boundaries of campus. 

And remember when you’re out there, you’re a Tiger. 

You’re fearless, bold, optimistic, courageous and also a determined leader. 

Clemson has shaped me for the better. It has equipped me with lifelong resources. We’ve been given opportunities to grow and thrive. I have had the chance to learn from professors who understand the world shifts gradually as much as it evolves, and their teaching methods adapt to those changes. Clemson has pushed me to keep going beyond limits. Moreover, it has instilled in me a sense of belonging, it has nurtured my curiosity, and it has helped me learn how to embrace and adapt to new challenges by being myself. I am sure there will be many more challenges ahead, but one thing I learned while at Clemson is to understand that the best way to grow and also succeed is to get out of our comfort zone and do the impossible. 

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we will all face challenges on the journeys we are on – whether we want to or not – and we have to adapt along the way. Embrace the process, and stand up for what you believe in. Know you are a Tiger. I am still adapting each day to new situations and challenges, and that is one of the main reasons I have traveled this far in life. But the journey does not stop here; it is just beginning.

Written by Mohamed Fakhry

Mohamed’s “favorite, most special and proudest moment at Clemson. David had me under his wing for a year, and this was taken the day after we completed the West Ashley bikeway bridge.” Mohamed with David Pastre, senior lecturer and coordinator of the Architecture+community BUILD Certificate.
beenhere

Master of Architecture student Mohamed Fakhry has been working toward his dream of becoming an architect for the past two years.

Born in Senegal, his life experiences have fueled his passion for designing structures that create an equitable society for all regardless of gender, belief, ethnicity or ability.

“He has always been the student who took advantage of every opportunity,” said Ray Huff, associate professor emeritus and director of the Clemson Design Center in Charleston. “Sometimes part of our job is ensuring our students engage, but it was never an issue with Mohamed; he is fearless. He’d always participate in meeting with guest speakers and put himself out there to learn as much as possible.”  

At Clemson, Fakhry has worked on a number of design projects, including one for “Call My Name: African Americans in Early Clemson University History,” an ongoing research project spearheaded by Rhondda Thomas, the Calhoun Lemon Professor of Literature.

“When recruiting Mohamed, I knew instantly he’d leave an imprint on the School of Architecture. He’s a powerful, unassuming leader with great talent,” said Dan Harding, professor and director of Clemson’s graduate architecture program. “Through an assistanceship, he became involved with the Call My Name project, where we were looking to create a physical representation of how we can communicate with one another to discuss cultural issues. We’d come up with the concept of a megaphone, but when he joined, he pointed out it didn’t make sense because not all people can use it. His insight changed the direction of the outcome completely and reminded us all that great design is inclusive. This is just one example of the imprint he’s left on Clemson.”

This month, Fakhry will participate in the Class of 2021 commencement ceremonies, joining more than 166,000 Clemson alumni worldwide. 

Mohamed (center, with hat) is the oldest of six children. He was able to travel home in January to celebrate his sister’s birthday with his family.
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