By Latrishka Thomas
An Antiguan has made history as the first residential student from Antigua to graduate from Liberty University in Virginia, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA while completing his fourth degree and preparing to pursue a fifth.
Aziz Ibrahim, 30, recently graduated with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he currently resides.
Ibrahim’s academic journey began in Antigua with his early education at St John’s Catholic Primary School, followed by St Joseph’s Academy, and Antigua State College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Studies. He then pursued his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, before completing his first Master’s in Systematic Theology at Reform Baptist Seminary in Sacramento, California.
“With all the help of my peers and my professors, and all the wonderful resources that I had access to, I was able to attain a perfect GPA of 4.0 and I’m grateful for that,” Ibrahim said.
He will begin his fifth degree in August – a third Master’s in Critical and Influential Communication.
“I really love school … I just have the great privilege of being in a spot where I’m in an institution where they’re offering me free education and I love school,” Ibrahim explained when asked about pursuing so many degrees.
Ibrahim’s academic pursuits are driven by both passion and purpose. His initial focus on theology stemmed from his love for church ministry and systematic theology, which led him to work extensively with youth groups and teenagers of varying ages.
“Working with them made me see the importance for mental health care and that’s where I started my desire and my pursuit of a degree in mental health counselling. And so, I wanted to sharpen my skills and I wanted to hone in on that career,” he said.
The pastor, who was ordained in 2022, is a part of the Antigua International Baptist Church – a small church in a church in the Cedar Grove/Crosbies area — which is undergoing a name change.
His long-term goals include teaching at the university level while maintaining a private practice.
“I want to teach. I want to be a professor at a university. That’s one thing I want to do. I want to be able to work in a private practice as well. I enjoy seeing patients. I enjoy working with them, with varying mental health disorders or struggles,” Ibrahim said.
He envisions bringing change to Antigua’s mental health sector, stating: “I can see myself training future counsellors and therapists and hopefully I could start something in Antigua that revolutionizes the industry in Antigua.”
Balancing his intensive academic schedule with personal life requires careful time management, Ibrahim noted.
“It’s more of making time, and making time for what’s important. It is important for me to practice self care. It’s important for me to have a balance,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections with family in Antigua and having a healthy social life.
“Having fun plays a very critical role in one’s academic success. As contrary as it may sound, it is important; you know, leisure, having downtime, relaxing time, knowing when to put a pause on everything and studying and enjoying the things around you,” he explained.
Ibrahim plans to pursue two more degrees – another master’s and potentially a PhD – before completing his educational journey.
For those considering similar academic pursuits, Ibrahim offers practical advice: “I would say take some time to really examine what you want. This is an investment. There’s no easy work. And if it is that you feel like you’re going into a field that you’re not passionate about, I mean, don’t necessarily waste your time.”
He encourages potential students to have conversations with loved ones about their goals and motivations before making such significant educational commitments.
