News from The Mahurin Honors College

For first-year WKU Honors student Salmo Omar, the transition to college has been both exciting and challenging. A Bowling Green native and a graduate of Warren Central High School, Salmo knew she wanted to stay close to home for her college experience, but she also prioritized strong academic opportunities and financial support. Through multiple campus visits, she found exactly what she was looking for at WKU—especially within the Honors College.

“I really liked the supportive community here, especially in the Honors College,” Salmo shares. “I liked its emphasis on leadership, service, and honesty—values that are really important to me.”

Balancing college life while commuting has required significant time management skills, something Salmo has worked on since high school. “I started using spreadsheets and Outlook calendars in my junior year because I was taking a lot of dual credit classes,” she explains. “Now, I organize my assignments by copying and pasting my syllabus schedules into my planner, so I never forget anything.”

Salmo is already making strides in her field of choice—nursing. Though her family has backgrounds in the military, her passion for healthcare was sparked at a young age. “I’ve always wanted to be in the healthcare industry because I love helping people,” she says. “But I also want to advocate for and educate others, especially in the field of psychiatry.”

Growing up, Salmo witnessed the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within her Somali cultural background. “Mental health is often looked down upon,” she says. “I want to change that—not necessarily erase it but embrace it and bring awareness.”

She’s already taking steps toward that goal, having applied to WKU’s nursing program and tackling upper-level courses in her first year. “I’m technically a sophomore because of my dual credit hours,” she explains. “I’ve already applied for the nursing program, and I’ll be starting it in the fall.”

Beyond academics, Salmo is deeply engaged in campus life. One of her most impactful experiences has been an Honors 251 project that started as an exploration of entomology—something she initially had no interest in—but quickly evolved into an environmental advocacy initiative.

“I never really cared about bugs,” she admits with a laugh. “But my project partner, who’s obsessed with them, completely changed my perspective.” Together, they proposed an initiative to categorize beneficial insects and increase the use of native plants on campus. Their work gained traction with WKU faculty, local nonprofits, and even secured them an interview for prospective access to a $500 grant to fund their efforts.

Though she expected her status as a commuter student to limit her involvement on campus, Salmo has found the opposite to be true. “I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made the most of my first year,” she says. She’s been active in multiple organizations and events, with highlights including Chai Chat session hosted by WKU Global and the Honors Social Planning Board’s activities, where she’s an active member.

Salmo is also considering ways to mentor future students, particularly through WKU’s Global Learning Ambassadors or as a M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan orientation leader. “I’d love to help first-year students navigate college life the way I have,” she says. “I was a little nervous at first, knowing I wouldn’t meet many people like me. But getting to know people from different backgrounds, and having supportive advisors and mentors, has made it so much easier.”

Her presence as a Somali woman in higher education is not lost on her community. “A lot of people are watching me,” she says. “Many are supportive and curious about my journey, and while there are always challenges, I use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.”

With dreams of one day working in community-based healthcare, advocacy, and potentially returning to Africa to make an impact, Salmo remains focused on her immediate goal—excelling in her first year. “Right now, I just want to pass with A’s and B’s,” she says with a smile. “I can’t afford to lose my spot in the program!”

As she continues her journey, Salmo is not only finding success in her academics but also finding her voice—both as a student and as an advocate for the causes she believes in.