Q & A with Mustafa Abdur-Rahim

Mustafa participates in various Track & Field events at Dartmouth. In 2002 he became only the fourth African-American to be named Academic All-Ivy in school history.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

My name is Mustafa Abdur-Rahim. I am from Brookline in Massachusetts. I've lived in Brookline for the past four years and prior to that I was in Jamaica for seven. I currently attend Dartmouth College and I am majoring in engineering. It is surprising that I am at school in the Ivy League institution because I never had a great interest in the Ivy League prestigious image, but after applying to Dartmouth, getting in, and then visiting, I felt Dartmouth would be the best place for me.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I never thought of going to Ivy League schools too extensively during school. I always felt that if I really wanted too I could go to an Ivy League school but I didn't put pressure on myself to make sure I went to an Ivy League institution.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

Knowing people who attended Ivy league institutions I always knew that the majority of the students in Ivy League institutions would be "intelligent" and try to challenge my intellect and beliefs.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

My perceptions were pretty accurate but not complete. I did meet many "intelligent" students, students who challenged me and my beliefs, however, there were a lot of students that were completely different from what I assumed which was satisfying.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

The most appealing part of going to an Ivy League school was the opportunity to be in an college/university that had credibility. I knew that people would be more reluctant to assume things about me and on top of that they would have to respect me for being an Ivy League athlete as well.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

In adjusting to college in the Ivy League the experiences that stand out most are my experiences conversing with people about ideas, trends, beliefs and identity. It has taught me to expect the unexpected and not too over or under-estimate a person's genuineness, perceptiveness and/or consideration for others.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

I can remember as a freshman coming into Dartmouth being welcomed by the students, along with the first conversation I had with my English professor most. As and athlete so far my most memorable moment was competing in my first meet for Dartmouth (at the Dartmouth Relays) and winning the pentathlon. Winning the Heptagonal championships team title will be even more memorable.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

The historical figure most admirable to me is the Holy Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings from the most high be upon him) because of his perseverance and patience. He always did what was right regardless of the consequences and he defended what was right, forbidding what was wrong. All of mankind should try and emulate his example in my opinion.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My family has had the biggest influence on my life. Coming from a very big family I always had someone to try and emulate good from. Living with my father in Jamaica during adolescence, however, has given me the best opportunity to learn more about myself, my religion, and many other important things in my life..

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

My advice to student athletes at all levels is to live and seek the truth. Whatever allows you to live the truth best making you happy, pursue it whole heartedly; whether it is sports, or an education.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Ivy League institutions look for students of all backgrounds. Just work hard in school and try to take part in whatever interests you. These interests will lead you to the right place.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***