Owning My Story and Becoming Minnesota’s First Somali Woman School Principal
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brene Brown
Although I’m proud to be the author of my own story today, my journey hasn't always brought me pride. In the public schools where I grew up, I didn't see examples of Muslim women's excellence. The absence of representation meant that success became associated with whiteness in my mind. I grew up feeling inadequate and seeking external approval, but everywhere I turned, I was told that I wasn't good enough. I went through the motions and kept to myself, quietly following my passion for facilitating systems change based on love and strength.
When I was working as a social worker at a high school in south Minneapolis, I realized I wasn't presenting myself in a confident and authentic manner. Instead, I came across as anxious and afraid to be myself.
While I worked tirelessly to encourage my students to be proud of who they are and to embrace their experiences, I recognized that I was not doing so myself.
Due to the vast differences in my lived experiences compared to my coworkers’, I started to feel as though I did not belong. I entered rooms cautiously, shied away from speaking up in meetings, and let my self-perception get in the way of my leadership potential.
During this time, I had a meeting with Kasim Abdur-Razzaq, a fellow Muslim brother. Kasim needed a mental health intern for his expanding mental health organization. I agreed, and so began a deep and life-changing mentoring relationship. Kasim encouraged me to investigate the traces that my education has left on me, to ask myself: how has my educational background influenced my self-perception?
That was when my lifelong journey of unpacking my educational experiences began, and I started to reflect on how I had internalized a negative understanding of myself and my story. Slowing down and making time for self-care is what has benefited me. With tools like journaling, I held space for myself to make sense of what I was going through and to acknowledge my experiences and feelings. I was able to identify my thoughts and feelings, make growth, and build up my self-worth thanks to this deliberate exercise. Affirmations became a habit for me to the point where. I now post morning affirmations on my social media pages every day.
Through self-reflection, I was able to heal and step into my greatness. When I began to spend time reflecting on and embracing my experiences, I began to show up more powerfully. I began to feel less anxious and more confident.
I took on new leadership roles at the school I was working at and pursued my K-12 principal licensure. I continued to explore who I am and who I wanted to become with a mindset that I was more than enough; that I did not have to look outside of myself to find strength.
My lived experience has instilled in me a commitment to proudly writing my own story while encouraging others to own their stories. I have been held back by the system, and I know that others like me have been dismissed in classrooms and educational settings. This work is deeply personal because I know that I can use my mental health training, coaching experience, principal training, and doctorate in education to make education work for every student, family, teacher, building administrator, and district staff.
As I pursue my doctorate, I know that this degree will help me lead and implement change within the field of education. I know firsthand how important it is to cultivate joy, connection, and healing in our schools. I currently serve as an elementary school principal, where I have the privilege of inspiring our youngest students every day as the first Somali woman principal in Minnesota.
The first time Muslim families and girls see me, they smile, and I see their happiness to have me as their school leader. Serving as the principal at a school where 40% of the student population is Somali, I am now the voice and the role model that I yearned for as a young girl.
By staying true to who I am in all circumstances and settings, I am paving the path for others to follow. I am, and I have always been, more than enough.
For my sisters reading this, I urge you to embrace your power and assert your authority. Remember that you are more than enough. Remember that your story is your own. In every space, always remain true to who you are, and don't forget to speak up. Embrace and love who you are, and you will begin to move into your greatness.
Salma Hussein is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for education who is known for her ability to connect with others. She recognizes the crucial role that strong relationships play in the lives of young people, and as an elementary principal, she understands that trusted relationships between students and adults are vital to academic success. Salma is committed to fostering a community of caring adults who can work together to close the opportunity gap that disproportionately affects Black, Brown, and Indigenous students. She is a leading voice in the movement for system change in education, promoting joy, healing, connection, and liberation for both educators and students.