Pursuing Personal Dreams: Three Somali Muslim College Refugee Students Defy Odds

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 40
  In Roundtable Session: International Education Contexts: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Many are the challenges refugee students deal with such as psychological, cultural, social, economic, and educational. For some, their trauma is a product of experiences of violence, torture, missing or death of family members, displacement from their homes, and harsh conditions in refugee camps. Particularly for female students, cultural, traditional, and religious practices and beliefs that are gender biased may pose an additional layer of barriers. The focus of this investigation was on three Somali Muslim refugee college students who are defying the odds and are on a journey to pursue their educational and personal dreams. These students are driven to achieve, motivated by their challenging circumstances and supportive individuals from the school and family contexts.

Authors

• Nathern S. Okilwa, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Kerry Haupert, North East I.S.D.