As the Class of 2025 prepares to leave the halls of the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, one student stands out, Ileyas Mohammad Asif. Born and raised in the U.S., Ileyas is proud of his Asian heritage. His grandparents immigrated to America from Uzbekistan, and Ileyas has grown and embraces the values his family brought with them from Asia. Apart of the Pride of Einstein, he is on track to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, with aspirations of a career in cybersecurity. His journey, however, is deeply rooted in his family’s story and his experiences at YMLA.
At YMLA, Ileyas found joy in Ms. Parker’s math classes. “It makes me feel smart,” he says, explaining that the classes give him a sense of achievement when he masters concepts. But academics aren’t the only place where he’s found inspiration. Now alumni, Isaac Allen, became an unexpected mentor. “He pushed me to exercise more and helped me through Chemistry,” Ileyas recalls, appreciating Isaac’s influence on both his health and studies.
Among his many memories, the Senior Cookout hosted by Colonel Murphy stands out as one his favorite. Reflecting on his high school experience, Ileyas admits he would have taken dual-credit TCC college courses earlier if given the chance, but he’s proud of his mindset shift—now aiming for Bs and higher instead of being satisfied with Cs. His favorite extracurricular activity was a class that focused on game making, robotics, and designing, which sparked his interest in cybersecurity. Ileyas also gives back to his community by volunteering at his local mosque, where he helps with cleaning and upkeep.
Ileyas takes pride in his physical health, something he’s worked on consistently throughout high school. When things get tough, he finds motivation in the gym. His greatest lesson? “Choose the right friend group,” he advises. In addition, he credits Mr. White, principal, for teaching him consistency when it came to dress code. If he could go back, Ileyas says he’d tell his freshman self, “Stop joking around and get work done,” a reflection of how much he’s matured in recent years. His favorite quote, “God bless America,” embodies his gratitude and hope for the future.
Ileyas’ plans are clear. He intends to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, driven by the belief that “everything is shifting to technology, therefore we need to do more things online.” He envisions himself in five years with a stable cybersecurity job, potentially married, and driving a BMW.
As he finishes his senior year, Ileyas Mohammad Asif is focused on every moment with his friends while preparing for the next big chapter of his life. His story is one of growth, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
