Sheddy Agbonsalo - October 2023

Born and raised in Nigeria, Sheddy Abgonsalo came to Maine from Lynn, Mass. to study at the University of Southern Maine (USM). He admits he missed the food and diversity of city living, and still isn’t crazy about the cold winters, but loves his new home. “I believe Maine is one of the most beautiful places, probably top three most beautiful places in America.” After earning his bachelor’s degree in earth science and a master’s in leadership studies, he is now working as an academic advisor at USM, helping other students of color benefit from his knowledge and experience. “Where there’s a problem they want to run to somebody to talk to, they might not have that connection, and how to communicate with another race, but I see myself as a point of contact. I can use my experience of how I dealt with the issue and explain to them how they can overcome those struggles.” He has seen Maine become more diverse, and believes it’s important to mentor the younger generation. “I feel and believe that everybody has to come together as one, Somalian, Nigerian, Congolese, Angolan. If we can just stop the division and be a community, that would be awesome, because there are generations behind us watching what we’re doing. Let’s start being positive and being there for each other, and everything will work out for good.”