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From War-Torn Somalia to American Citizen: Meet Abdi Nor Iftin
This June, in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day on June 20, we spotlight the experiences and achievements of immigrant and refugee leaders. Their stories reflect determination, resourcefulness, and the impact of hard work across every sector.
We are honored to feature Abdi Nor Iftin, author of Call Me American, as part of our Immigrant Heritage Month highlights, celebrating his inspiring journey from surviving Somalia’s civil war to building a new life in the United States.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey began in Mogadishu, Somalia, where I grew up amidst civil war and the constant threat of violence. In 2011, at the age of 23, I made the agonizing decision to leave my beloved mother and everything familiar behind. With no bank account, no cash, and a one way ticket, I waved goodbye to my mother and left. The uncertainty of where I was going, or even if I would make it, was a profound weight.
Like millions of others, I faced agonizing choices and a long, perilous path. My journey involved years of living with United Nations refugee status in Kenya, periods of disappointment and despair, but always, there was a tiny, persistent flicker of hope for a better life. Chasing that hope, of course, came with immense personal costs, but it was a pursuit I had to undertake. Professionally, this journey has directly shaped my path as an author, enabling me to share this deeply personal narrative in "Call Me American," and as a storyteller for "This American Life" with "Abdi and the Golden Ticket," turning hardship into a platform for understanding and connection.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Several pivotal experiences profoundly shaped my current path. First, the constant exposure to conflict and survival in Somalia ignited a deep-seated desire for peace, stability, and education – things that seemed almost unattainable. This experience fueled my relentless pursuit of opportunities to escape.
Second, learning English by sneaking into local movie theaters and listening to American rap music, then meticulously practicing with BBC and VOA radio broadcasts, was a crucial turning point. This self-taught linguistic skill became my lifeline to the outside world as I documented my story for American Public Media as a guerrilla journalist, and ultimately, my passport to a new life and career.
Finally, winning the Diversity Visa lottery – the "Golden Ticket" – after years of relentless attempts, and after two refusals of student visa to come study in the US, was the singular moment that transformed my trajectory. It was an unimaginable stroke of luck that allowed me to transition from a precarious existence in Kenya to seeking asylum and building a new life in the United States. These experiences, combined with the power of storytelling to make sense of them, inexorably led me to become an author and advocate.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about yourself through your life and career?
Through my life and career, I've learned several invaluable lessons about myself. Firstly, I've discovered an unyielding resilience – a capacity to endure unimaginable hardship and disappointment while holding onto hope. It's a strength forged in adversity. Secondly, I've learned the power of curiosity and self-education. My hunger to learn English and understand the world beyond Somalia was not just practical; it was a fundamental part of who I am, and it opened doors I never dreamed possible. Thirdly, I've come to understand the profound importance of human connection and empathy. Whether it was the kindness of strangers along my refugee journey, the support from my community in Maine, or the listeners who embraced my story, these connections have been the bedrock of my healing and integration. Lastly, I've realized that my personal story, however unique, carries universal themes, and that sharing my truth can be a powerful tool for building bridges and fostering understanding across cultures and faiths.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My desire to contribute and make a difference is driven by a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. I am incredibly fortunate to have found safety and opportunity in the United States, a chance that millions of others still desperately seek. This gratitude compels me to advocate for those who are marginalized and to share my experience so that others might gain a deeper understanding of the refugee and immigrant journey. I want to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. I also feel a responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless – for those trapped in conflict zones, for refugees in camps, and for new Americans striving to build a life. By contributing my story and perspective, I hope to play a small part in building a more inclusive, compassionate, and understanding world.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back and advise my younger self, I would say this: "Abdi, hold onto your dreams with everything you have, no matter how impossible they seem. The path will be far tougher than you can imagine, filled with loneliness and setbacks, but your persistence, your courage, and your desire to learn will carry you through. Don't underestimate the power of your voice, even when it feels small and unheard. And most importantly, open your heart to the kindness of strangers, for it is in unexpected places that you will find your truest family." and trust instincts more and to celebrate every tiny victory, no matter how insignificant it seemed at the time.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can profoundly support leaders like myself by providing platforms and amplification for diverse voices. By bringing together leaders from various sectors and backgrounds, GlobalMindED creates invaluable networking opportunities, fostering collaborations that can transform individual aspirations into collective action. Specifically, GlobalMindED can:
- Amplify unique narratives: By showcasing stories like mine, you can help shift perceptions, humanize global issues, and inspire action among your influential audience.
- Facilitate mentorship and strategic partnerships: Connecting me with thought leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists who share a vision for global inclusion and education could open doors for broader impact.
- Support initiatives for global understanding: Through programs, conferences, and resource sharing, GlobalMindED can equip leaders with the tools and connections to drive interfaith dialogue and promote equitable opportunities for marginalized communities worldwide.
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