On Thursday, Oct. 24, students, parents and faculty trickled into the library, eager to listen to an inspirational message from noted influential speaker, activist and author Alephonsion Deng. Facilitated by PolyGlobal, in collaboration with the United Nations Association (UNA) Pasadena Chapter, this event sought to discuss Deng’s experience searching for a home as a refugee.

In 1978, when Deng was seven, government militias attacked his village in Southern Sudan. Deng suffered hardships before being welcomed into the United States in 2001 as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. In his first year in America, Deng faced the trouble of adjusting to a new culture and society. He discusses this notion in his book “Disturbed in Their Nests,” written in collaboration with author Judy A. Bernstein. In his inspirational book, he addresses the challenges refugees face when forcefully uprooted from their homes and thrown into a new society. Deng shared a similar message in his inspirational talk with the Poly community as he discussed his experiences immigrating from a foreign country and assimilating into a new culture.

Prior to the event, UNA Poly Chapter Co-Presidents, senior Katie Sam and junior Maddie Delbridge, along with the chapter’s Vice President, junior Filiz Fish, interviewed Deng for the first episode of the UNA Podcast, soon to be live.

Attendees were particularly touched by Deng’s message of hardship turned into success. Sam expressed, “This event will hopefully encourage more people to take initiative in learning international relations and realize the importance of caring for the global community.”

When asked about the specific effects Deng’s message had on the Poly community, Sam shared, “We will see how our small actions can make a huge difference, become more globally aware and realize that there is a world much bigger than our Poly community.”