Selamawi Asgedom facts for kids

Selamawi Asgedom (who often goes by Mawi Asgedom) is an amazing author and public speaker. He was born in Adi Wahla, Ethiopia, on September 29, 1976. Mawi is a refugee who came to the United States from Ethiopia and Eritrea. His incredible journey from a refugee camp to graduating from Harvard University has inspired many people.

Mawi's Early Life and Journey

Mawi was born in northern Ethiopia, in a place called Tigray. When he was very young, he and his family had to leave their home. They fled to Sudan to escape a war happening in Ethiopia. For about two years, Mawi was separated from his father during this time.

Life in a Refugee Camp

Mawi and his family spent three years living in a refugee camp in Sudan. Life in the camp was very difficult. In 1983, when Mawi was seven years old, he and his family finally arrived in the United States. They were helped by an organization called World Relief.

Growing Up in America

Mawi grew up in a town near Chicago, Illinois, called Wheaton, Illinois. He worked hard in school and was also a talented athlete. He played on his high school basketball team and was a top runner in track and field.

Education and Achievements

Mawi was an excellent student. He graduated with top honors from Harvard University. He studied American history there. In 1999, Mawi gave the commencement address at his graduation ceremony. This is a very special honor given to a student who speaks to their graduating class.

Inspiring Books by Mawi

Mawi has written two inspiring books. His autobiography is called Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard. This book shares his personal story. He also wrote The Code: The 5 Secrets of Teen Success, which offers advice to young people.

Impact of Of Beetles and Angels

Mawi's book, Of Beetles and Angels, has been chosen by many communities for special reading programs. For example, in Springfield, Pennsylvania, 2,378 people read his book together. The famous TV host Oprah Winfrey even featured Mawi's story on her show in October 2005. She called their interview one of her "20 Unforgettable Moments."

The city of Evanston, Illinois, also chose Of Beetles and Angels for its first-ever citywide reading program. Mawi visited many middle school students throughout the 2007–2008 school year to talk about his book. His memoir was also part of the 'One Book, One School' program in Philadelphia, including at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Mawi's Family Life

Today, Mawi Asgedom lives in Illinois. He is a proud father of four children. He continues to inspire people with his story and his work as an author and speaker.