To say that Tahj Ahddiyah Abdullha is simply “interesting” would be a vast understatement.
She is a 21-year-old social work major at the Mount and a good friend of mine.
While Tahj is in the BSW program now, she has had a taste of different fields. She was a design major for one year and computer sciences for the same. She also minored in art.
Tahj shifted into social work for a couple of reasons. One reason is her mother, who’s a mental health professional. So is one of her closest friends.
Another reason was Dr. Jennifer Withrow.
Tahj says, “After sitting in one of Dr. Withrow’s classes, I fell in love with the social work major.” Social work for Tahj is a stepping stone to achieving her life goals. One goal Tahj has for the future is opening a Youth Center that is a hybrid of an art gallery, art studio, and art center for kids. This center will go far beyond a simple center.
She plans to host training in life skills, college, taxes, and even plans a creation prom where she’ll have dresses/ prom materials donated and allow the participants to create their own prom attire. Tahj’s target population to work with is children of all ages, particularly teenagers. She has big goals that I can say, in full faith, can be achieved.
Aside from education, Tahj enjoys sewing/crocheting, dancing, drawing, roller skating, hanging out with her nieces, Journee and Amoura (Note from Tahj: “They are both bad as ever! lol”), playing the guitar/bass, art, painting, and has begun teaching herself how to tattoo. She is also a lover of her Black culture.
Tahj’s name, given by her mother, means “gift” and ‘follower of God“.
“There’s power in your name,” she said, “that’s important to remember.” Tahj is a great motivator and likes to spread her joy through the people she comes across. As someone also in social work, I asked her what something important is for you to say to others.
“Understand you are that girl, and no one can take that from you,” she replied. “It’s also important to embrace your flaws and acknowledge them. Acknowledging that I have autism has been freeing,” Tahj continued.
The Mount has many cool folks in it, but Tahj is someone I say stands out. This profile recognizes and appreciates her awesomeness.
In photo from left to right: Amoura, Tahj, and Journee (both are Tahj's nieces).