Lion Tracks

Nero: From Yemen to Belonging

In this episode we hear from Nero, a Yemeni student whose journey to the United States took over 12 years. After enduring the hardships of war in Yemen and a difficult chapter in Egypt, Nero and his family found a place of belonging in Minnesota. He shares what it was like to adjust to a new culture, learn English, and build friendships from different backgrounds. He talks about his college experience with optimism, and his dream of one day having a house where his family can live together in peace, just like before the war. His story is a testament to hope and the power of community. Music: September Sundown, Jeff Kaale.

Raghad: From Questions to Confidence.

In this episode we hear from Raghad, a Syrian-born student who lived in Algeria for 11 years, shares her incredible journey of relocation to the United States. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new education system and learning English, her resilience and determination shine. Moving to Minnesota with her family, Raghad embraced the cultural shock and overcame fears associated with her new life. Her story is a testament to the strength needed to navigate unfamiliar environments while holding onto dreams. Raghad looks towards graduation with eagerness, ready to seize the opportunities provided by her brave move to a new country. Music: September Sundown, Jeff Kaale.

Buba: Starting over with heart.

In this episode, we hear from Buba. Born in Russia, raised in Guinea, and then back to Russia before arriving in the U.S., Buba has spent his life adapting, learning new languages, cultures, and ways of starting over. Through it all, he has remained a natural leader: someone who lifts others up with honesty, humor, and heart. Buba shares what it’s like to live in the U.S. as an immigrant, the people who helped him along the way, and the deep sense of gratitude that fuels his dream to study and give back. Despite the challenges he’s faced, Buba never let hardship dim his kindness. This is a story about using your strengths to help others, about finding purpose through change, and about the kind of quiet leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

Entre Dos Mundos: Remembering home, building new dreams.

ESPAÑOL En este episodio, conocemos la historia de una valiente estudiante que llegó desde Ecuador hace un año. Nos comparte lo duro que fue dejar atrás lo que amaba y empezar de nuevo en un país desconocido. Entre gratitud por su madre y su hermanita, y el dolor de una despedida, nos habla de lo que significa vivir entre dos mundos: el país que te forma y el país que te transforma. Descubrimos cómo ha aprendido a amar su nueva comunidad, a soñar de nuevo y a tomar decisiones por y para ella misma. ENGLISH In this episode, we hear from a brave student who arrived from Ecuador about a year ago. She opens up about the pain of leaving behind everything she loved and the challenge of starting over in a new country. With deep gratitude for her mother and little sister, she shares what it means to live between two worlds—the one that raised you and the one that shapes who you’re becoming. It’s a story of strength, growth, and learning to choose yourself first.

Daniela: A story about dreaming through the changes.

In this episode of Lion Tracks, we hear from Daniela, a student who moved from Ecuador after facing gang-related danger in her neighborhood in Guayaquil. Starting over in the U.S. was not easy. Daniela worked and studied at the same time. She quickly placed into high-level college classes, and now she’s graduating from high school and heading to the University of Minnesota to study architecture. Daniela is also a leader in her school — active in Club Latino, citywide leadership, and student council. She has big dreams and a strong voice. She misses her family deeply, but she keeps moving forward. Daniela shares how much she values her teachers, new friendships, and the chance to learn from people with different backgrounds. This episode is about strength, hope, and the love that keeps you going. Music: September Sundown, Jeff Kaale.