Gladys Sang: The Classroom Under the Tree

Esther Chin: The Gift of Perseverance

Originally from Myanmar, Esther Chin is no stranger to perseverance and survival. At the age of 15, Esther fled her home nation to seek safety from war. She traveled 84 days on foot to arrive in Malaysia. Esther graduated with her bachelor's degree in nursing from Weber State University in 2020, and is now serving others as a traveling nurse. Tune in to hear more about her experiences in fleeing Myanmar, determination to study, and passion to impact others through nursing.

Olghen Saintelus: Never Give Up

Olghen Saintelus is a born leader and changemaker. After surviving the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, he found refuge in the United States and eventually decided to pursue a political science degree at the University of Utah. In this episode you’ll hear about the values that have shaped his life, his experience as a congressional intern for Senator Mitt Romney, and the changes he hopes to enact in Haiti in the future.

Fabiola Kamberi: Lift as You Rise

Fabiola Kamberi is a pure example of lifting those around her. Having fled Kosovo with her family in 1999, she learned to support her family and loved ones through great adversity in resettlement. She graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in psychology and business management in December 2020. In this episode, you'll hear from Fabiola about the war between Serbia and Kosovo, what it means to be a refugee, and her own desire to uplift others.

Sharif Orfali: The Power of a Dream

Sharif Orfali is no stranger to perseverance, determination, and hard work. In 2016, he was uprooted from his homeland of Syria in the middle of completing his education at Damascus University. In this episode, you'll hear from Sharif about his upcoming graduation at the University of Utah, his determined efforts to find his professional path, and the power of a single dream.

Gladys Sang: The Classroom Under the Tree

Gladys began her teaching career at age eight while living in Kenya; she has continued to share her knowledge, leadership, and compassion with others ever since. Despite being abruptly uprooted from her home country and seeking asylum in the United States, she has doggedly pursued a career as a teacher in special education. Listen in to learn more about her passion for education, her tips for balancing life as both a mother and student, and her thoughts on how to welcome New Americans.