Spoken Word Poet Community Advocate Devoted Son DEGREE: M.S., Community Development TITLE: Program Coordinator, Cross Cultural Center COLLEGE: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

“We were a refugee family scrambling to survive. My mom—my biggest hero—raised five kids on her own. Her sacrifices, our struggles and my story shaped me into who I am. I’ve met many students here who face similar experiences of heartache and survival. Through my poetry, I want to show them that they are not alone and that they can overcome any obstacles. Their stories are vital and powerful, and they need to be heard. By working together, we can achieve positive change in our communities.”