Book Review: Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian-My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph
Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian-My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph, by Yusra Mardini is the perfect book for high schoolers or adults looking for an uplifting story of how hard work and grit pay off. Yusra Mardini grew up in Syria in the midst of war. She grew up in a family of swimmers and all she wanted was to go to the Olympics. She’s on her way until war ruins her ability to train. She desperately wants to train for the Olympics. She and her older sister embark on a dangerous journey to try to gain asylum in Germany. This is the story of their journey and how they adapt to life once they are in Germany. The portrayal of their experiences was realistic and timely. Yusra’s courage and hope will inspire readers, along with her dedication to her sport and her desire to compete in the Olympics.
My First Asylum Case: An Attorney's Perspective on Asylum in the United States
I took my first asylum case in 2016, when our national dialog on immigration took a decidedly negative turn. As a corporate attorney, I had no experience in immigration law, but my license allowed me to represent individuals fleeing severe persecution and I signed with a local non-profit to offer my help. My first asylum client was a young mother and her two small daughters. I could see myself in Saba.
Their Story is Our Story Applauds the Signing of Virginia House Bill 995 and Continues Efforts to Open Doors for Foreign-trained Medical Professionals in Other States
Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a non-profit organization that collects and shares the experiences of refugees to deepen understanding and influence action, applauds the signing of Virginia House Bill 995 into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, after its unanimous passage through the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. It will create a pathway for foreign-trained doctors who have immigrated to the state, including those whose careers were interrupted by forcible displacement, to fill workforce gaps in medically underserved communities.
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.