Meet the Locals: Abdi Dool
Driving His Family’s Destiny
The United States of America is a nation of immigrants who have rightfully aspired to lives of freedom and happiness. For over 500 years, immigrants have come to America to escape war and drought, to practice their religion, to own land, and to work, prosper, and live the American Dream. There is little argument about how important immigrants have been to our country’s history. The immigration of diverse people from all over the world has resulted in a blend of cultures and traditions that makes the United States unique.
Our interview with Abdirashid (Abdi) Dool is yet another illustration of how immigrants add to the fabric of our communities. Immigrants help position Otter Tail County for growth and cultural vitality, bringing with them ingenuity and a variety of languages. This makes Otter Tail County a more prosperous, con-nected and successful place to live.
photos: Scott Backstrom, Abdirashid Dool
What is your occupation?
Abdi: I own and operate Dool Transportation
in Pelican Rapids, MN.
How did you come to own your own company? AD: I always wanted to own my own company. I used to drive part time for a different company. I worked for them for six months and then I decided to start my own company. Since we live in a small town, there are no buses and some people can’t drive themselves. People need to get to their medical appointments and come home safely. I like what I do, I like talking to people and helping people at the same time.
How long have you lived here?
AD: I came to the United States of America from East Africa in 2006. I moved to Pelican Rapids in 2007.
What do you think of Pelican Rapids?
AD: I like the city. It’s a quiet small town, and the people are friendly. (At first) it was tough, getting used to the snow and a new language. But the people are welcoming. It’s a safe place. It’s not like big cities like Chicago or Minneapolis. You don’t have to worry about your safety. Yes it’s a small town, but it has a big heart.
What’s your favorite thing about living here?
AD: The school is amazing here, Viking Elementary. The teachers are friendly and great at teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. My kids love it.
What do you do for fun? AD: I play soccer. During the winter, we play indoors at the school. In the summertime, we have a big (soccer) league, at least 11 teams come to play in Pelican. We have teams from Fergus Falls, Perham, Detroit Lakes and even Fargo. Lot’s of people come to watch and there’s people selling food at the park. It’s a lot of fun. I also coach basketball. I don’t fish, but I like to swim in the lakes, so we go swimming in the summertime.
How would you describe the culture in Pelican Rapids?
AD: There’s a lot of diversity. We have people from Mexico, East Africa, Bosnia, Cambodia, so a lot of different people here. Everyone came here to
improve their life and help each other and live in
a small happy community.
Any advice?
AD: The weather in the winter is hard to get used too, drink lot’s of warm tea and wear a warm coat.
