By Omar Abdul

This paper will focus on a Somali-immigrant named Barack Barir who fled his home country of Somalia, in search for peace, stability, and an opportunity to pursue a university degree. Barack is a member of the Somali-diaspora community living in America, and he along with most Somalis had to overcome many hardships and obstacles ranging from language barriers to discrimination. Despite all the barriers in his life, Barack persevered and earned a bachelor’s degree from OSU in December 2013.

His graduation was a landmark for many Somalis, and truly embodied the strength and resilience this man held, and how he was able to overcome the many obstacles and challenges in his life. Graduation day was especially joyous for Barack’s family, who were overtaken with emotions as they watched their son walk across the stage filled with pride and joy knowing that he has paved a way for many to follow. Prior to coming to OSU, Barack didn’t take a college degree for granted, as he knew the difficulties he would have to endure to be standing on the stage wearing his cap and gown.

Barack had fled his native country Somalia when the bloody civil war erupted in the early 1990’s, a war that shattered the Somali economy and led to over 23 years of chaos and havoc. In addition, the name Somali has often seemed synonymous with infamous words such as “Terrorist” and “Piracy”; this association influenced foreign nations not to send aid or assistance to Somalia as the country allegedly harbored Islamic Fundamentalism and is often considered a human rights disaster.

A decade ago, Barack wouldn’t have ever imagined that he would be able to even attend a university, let alone graduate from it. He was a poor refugee living a refugee camp in North-Eastern Kenya that hosted millions of people who escaped neighboring countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, etc.

The conditions that Barack was living in at the camps were truly deplorable. Basic needs such as food, sanitation, and shelter, were barely met as the camps didn’t have the resources to keep pace with the many millions who were being displaced by war, genocide, religious persecution, famine, etc. The conditions at the camp made Barack appreciate basic necessities in life that most of us take for granted. Barack describes the time that he spent at the camp as “grim and dark”.

Barack was granted entry into the US through the Refugee Resettlement Program, which grants entry to thousands of refugees across the world who meet certain humanitarian criteria. In America, Barack struggled to learn English, and took ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. He studied hard, and would often stay up all night to practice his grammar and spelling. Barack’s ESL teachers often described him as “relentless” and “devoted” to his studies. It was a huge challenge for Barack, but his unwavering thirst for knowledge prompted him to go above and beyond not only for himself, but to be a role model for many in the Somali-diaspora who are discouraged from pursuing a higher education because of the all the challenges and obstacles that such an education entails.

Barack’s story is a true testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Somali-diaspora community in America. There are many more stories of Somalis just like Barack who defied the conventional wisdom in the Somali community about education, and broke down barriers and stereotypes. Barack credits the US government for helping him, and acknowledges that he couldn’t have achieved his goals if it hadn’t been for American assistance. He is also very grateful for his family and friends, as their support and love never subsided or diminished in any way throughout his tenure at OSU.

Barack said, “Twelve years ago, I was an uneducated poor refugee who didn’t even know how to read and write. Without American help, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. For this reason, I would like to thank the American government and its people for their help, and I am and forever will be in their debt. May God bless America.”

Omar Abdul
Email: dhabiiss@gmail.com

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Omar Abdul is a young Somali American student, an activist soccer player who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Omar is a full time student at The Ohio State University studying Economy.