An MTSU student who has survived a perilous journey from political oppression to political activism was the guest on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program. 

Kayo Bashir

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Kayo Beshir, an international relations major from Antioch, Tennessee, first aired Dec. 19 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Along with two other young people, Beshir received a Rising Advocate Award at the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day Dec. 7 at the First Amendment Center in Nashville.

Beshir was honored for his work with a UNICEF Congressional Action Team based in Nashville. Members of the team take part in monthly conference calls for discussions with global leaders on how to become effective human rights advocates and engage with members of Congress to help put plans into action.

A native Ethiopian, Beshir fled to Kenya with his family when he was 2 years old because their ethnicity made them political targets. When he was about 10, he was sent to a Ugandan boarding school to learn English prior to immigrating to the United States.

Beshir credits the MTSU Scholars Academy, a program that prepares entering freshmen through workshops and other activities, with helping adjust to his new environment.

“I learned about how you can immerse yourself in the college life,” Beshir said. “Every organization that I have joined is because of a network or somebody that I knew through Scholars Academy.”

On campus, Beshir has been involved with the Student Government Association and the African Student Organization. He aspires to join the U.S. Foreign Service after completing his baccalaureate and obtaining an advanced degree.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.