From Liberia to Columbia University . . . via UNCG
“The world needs people who are devoted to the needs of others. I believe I am one of those people,” declared Checago Bright.
He has had a long and difficult journey, but his life's experiences have helped hone his professional focus and refine his determination to “to improve people's lives, empower the desperate and the poor, and bring about social change for justice and human dignity.”
As an adult student who enrolled at UNCG in January 2004, he brought an extraordinary understanding of the plight of immigrant and refugee families, and he carefully selected an academic program that would position him to move into a career to help others: a double major in Social Work and International Studies with a minor in Political Science and concentration in Global Affairs and International development. He has excelled academically, receiving the UNCG Multicultural Academic Achievement Award, and is a member of the National Social Work Honor Society.
Experience as a Refugee
Checago was born into a family of seven in Liberia, West Africa. According to Checago, “As a nation, Liberia was founded by the American Colonization Society in an attempt to return freed slaves to Africa. Motives behind the Society included getting rid of 'the Negro problem' in the United States, spreading religion, and returning Africans to their native land. As a result, Liberia is still heavily influenced by American culture. Liberia is a mix of Liberians with a background in the United States, Americo-Liberians, and other people composed of many different tribal and kinship groups. Liberia has been disrupted by a war that has lasted for nearly 15-years.”
He experienced poverty and starvation during the 15 year civil war in Liberia, witnessing the killing of pregnant women and the shooting of innocent people. Children were missing from their parents and families. People were traumatized and running helter skelter.
Because of the civil war, he and his family went into exile in Ghana living in deplorable conditions in a refugee camp. There was no physical security, sanitation or running water. They did not have food many days. Checago said, “We lived with no shelter over our heads for almost a month until the United Nations stepped in to help.”
This experience gave him the motivation to learn and the desire to help people who are desperately in need of the basics in life: food, shelter, clothing, adequate health care, safe and secure communities and nurturing, intact families.
He further explained, “As a refugee for five years, I had the privilege to do volunteer work for UNICEF with destitute children. I taught children how to read; I helped organize educational social programs that reinforced the children's self-confidence and self-esteem. At the end of my service experience with the UNICEF children, I saw smiles on their faces. This was gratifying for me because I was part of a program that improved the lives of children and gave them hope for their future.”
Resettlement in the United States
Checago's family was resettled to the U. S. in 2003, and he enrolled at UNCG in 2004. In addition to his academic coursework at the University , he volunteered for Greensboro's Urban Ministry which serves homeless families, the Glen Haven Developmental Center which serves immigrant and refugee families, and he interned at Lutheran Family Services which works with refugees, asylum seekers and parolees. These volunteer opportunities combined with his previous experiences reinforced his strong dedication to helping others.
“Having been a refugee, I know what it takes to go through a process of integration coupled with the cultural and language barriers that one has to face,” he shared. “ I want to serve as a helper for families and individuals who have left their countries to start a new life.”
Accepted for Graduate Work at Columbia University
Checago as been accepted into the Advance Standing Program (Master of Science) at Columbia University and will begin his intensive graduate studies in July, 2007.
His “strong desire to improve people's lives” has served to position him for “an exciting, demanding and immensely rewarding profession that requires committed people to advocate for social change that will enhance human well-being.” He is well on his way.
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Page updated: 06-May-2009
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