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. I met Amadou Diallo, who said he is going to be the next president of Changemakers (the TSOS student organization) and Alice Mwamba, who was excited because she knows the Mwingwa family on our story card.

We were each assigned to sit at a table with a group of students. They had some group activities, a one-on-one Q&A, and some great speakers. I've lived in Idaho for 20 years, and still learned new things! The keynote speaker was excellent. His name was Tiam Rastegar. He is a refugee from Iran who came to the US via Germany. He spoke about having a growth mindset vs. fixed mindset. He was very entertaining and engaging. The other presenters were from Idaho Power and Saint Alphonsus Medical Center. They talked about how there are opportunities out there for everyone.