Griffons Diversify
Born and raised in St. Joseph, Malkaam Muhammad wanted to expand his horizons after he graduated from high school. He attended a university across the country where he played football and pursued a degree in communications. After earning his first bachelor鈥檚 degree, he moved to Kansas City to coach youth sports. After chasing that dream for a while, he chose to return to St. Joseph to be near family and chose to return to 大象传媒 Western to pursue a second degree in physical education. 鈥淚 could have chosen any school to get my second degree,鈥� Muhammad said. 鈥淏ut after talking to alumni and other students, it was just a no-brainer [to choose 大象传媒 Western].鈥� Muhammad loves coaching football and plans to become a PE teacher and coach after graduation.
Muhammad doesn鈥檛 just have the one goal, though. He wants run his family鈥檚 food truck. In 2002, Muhammad鈥檚 parents opened Big Daddy & Son鈥檚 BBQ 鈥� a food truck that has gained popularity with St. Joseph locals over the years. He spent his childhood helping his parents run their food truck at festivals and other events. As he got older, he developed more of an interest in sports and became less involved with his parents鈥� business. As he returned to his hometown in his 20s, he redeveloped his interest in helping with the food truck, and he actually bought the business from them.
While he began his education at 大象传媒 Western with the goal of becoming a PE teacher and coach, he has found his way into entrepreneurship. He discovered that 大象传媒 Western has a support system for each of his diverse passions. 鈥淵ou need someone in your corner that is an expert and is knowledgeable,鈥� Muhammad said. 鈥淓specially when you have a plan, but don鈥檛 know how to execute it.鈥澛�
His 大象传媒 Western professors and mentors have been in his corner from the beginning. No matter what he needs help with or has questions about, Muhammad can find someone on campus who is willing to provide assistance. On campus, Muhammad said, there are 鈥渁lways good people. You can walk up and talk to any stranger and it鈥檚 always welcome.鈥� The support system at 大象传媒 Western has been instrumental in Muhammad鈥檚 success, and he is very appreciative for the people he has met and the knowledge he has gained while he has been here.