BY: OLIVIA STACK
Staff Writer
High School Senior and dual enrolled student Ali Almamori strolls around the STLCC-Meramec campus in a flowy skirt, a fitted tank top, and accessorized with jewelry. He waves to every familiar face he sees, and always has a smile on his face. Students often stop to say a quick hello during his walks on campus.
Almamori, dressed in a graphic t-shirt with his hair tied back, fidgeted with his hands.
“I always try to make sure some part of me reflects in the way I dress,” Almamori said. “It’s a way for me to be more approachable.”
Almamori is currently in his fourth semester of college. He has a love of art and fashion that he displays through his appearance. He is a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), which hosts a variety of events on campus. His journey in leadership at the college started when he joined Pride Club, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ equality. He served as president for two semesters. “I kind of restarted the Pride Club organization,” he said with air quotes.
Throughout his leadership in Pride Club, Almamori has made friends that he still keeps in contact with to this day. He is always welcoming new friendships into his life, said Almamori. For example, he connected with new people during an incident on campus.
“There was this racist guy who was standing on the Quad holding a sign and saying offensive things. I met a lot of people and befriended them to heckle the guy. He tried to spread hate, but he ended up bringing people together,” Almamori said with a smile.
This incident strengthened his love for building communities, said Almamori. He described himself as an extrovert who is always eager to meet new people. He said that he is smiley and energetic. He continues to meet new people and makes an effort to get to know them.
“I’m so glad I became a student at Meramec,” Almamori said while he clasped his hands together. “I made a lot of new friends and built a community.”
Almamori describes his friend group as multicultural and diverse, which reflects on his background and experiences. Almamori describes himself as half Iraqi and he grew up with three older sisters.
Almamori said he has a passion for personal expression. He started journaling and creating art work at a young age. An example of this is an Instagram post he made, where he is styled in a long dress and posed in front of an edited collage of album covers by the artist “Hole.” He said he believes that he is able to process his feelings through his creations.
“If I’m able to put my thoughts on paper, I can understand my feelings and thoughts better,” said Almamori. “It’s one of the only things I can focus on for a long period of time. Creating art is what fulfills me the most.”
Almamori is currently enrolled as an early college student. He is focused on academic and social involvement.
“I’m interested in being a good student and I was awarded an opportunity to join accelerated classes, so I took that chance,” Almamori said and smiled. “ I want to graduate with my associates and maybe get an art degree.”
Alamori plans to transfer to either Depaul University or Webster University next semester. He is still exploring and figuring out his major. Although he is still undecided about his major, he plans to study classes that align with his interests.
“I’m going to take classes in psychology and art, because I have a love for art, and I love people,” said Almamori.
Despite a busy schedule, Almamori encourages other students to put themselves out there and take opportunities to meet and get to know other people.
“If you’re looking to make friends on campus, there are so many lovely people around. If you’re approachable, you will find your people,” he said.
