Selamawi Asgedom facts for kids

Selamawi Asgedom, also known as Mawi Asgedom, is an author and public speaker. He was born in Ethiopia in 1976. Mawi came to the United States as a refugee when he was a child. He has written books about his life and how to succeed.

Mawi's Early Life and Journey

Mawi was born in Tigray, a region in northern Ethiopia. When he was young, a war in Ethiopia forced his mother, siblings, and him to leave their home. They had to flee to Sudan to stay safe. 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. A refugee camp is a place that provides shelter and help for people who have had to leave their homes because of war or other dangers.

Coming to America

In 1983, when Mawi was seven years old, his family came to the United States. They were helped by an organization called World Relief. They settled in Wheaton, Illinois, a town near Chicago.

Education and Achievements

Mawi worked hard in school and became a great student. He also loved sports.

High School and Sports

In high school, Mawi played on the basketball team. He was also a very good runner on the track team. He was one of the best athletes in his league.

Harvard University

Mawi graduated with top honors from Harvard University. He studied American history. In 1999, he gave the commencement address at his graduation. This is a special speech given by a student at their graduation ceremony.

Mawi's Books

Mawi Asgedom is a successful author. He has written two books that share his life story and advice.

Of Beetles and Angels

His first book is called Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard. This book tells the story of his life, from his time in the refugee camp to his studies at Harvard.

• Many people have read Of Beetles and Angels.
• In Springfield, Pennsylvania, 2,378 people read it as their community book.
• Famous TV host Oprah Winfrey interviewed Mawi about his book. She called it one of her "20 Unforgettable Moments" in 2005.
• The city of Evanston, Illinois, chose it for their first citywide reading program. Mawi visited middle school students there.
• Schools in Philadelphia, like Hatboro-Horsham High School, also read his book as part of a "One Book, One School" program.

The Code: The 5 Secrets of Teen Success

Mawi also wrote The Code: The 5 Secrets of Teen Success. This book gives advice to young people on how to achieve their goals.

Mawi's Life Today

Mawi Asgedom is now a public speaker. He shares his inspiring story with audiences around the world. He encourages young people to work hard and believe in themselves. Mawi has four children and lives in Illinois.