'Empowering Fellow Students - Turning Challenges into Opportunities' - Episode 4 with Liberty Hombe

Liberty Hombe is an advocate for justice - the ultimate example of someone who turns challenges into opportunities. Liberty is a pre-med student born in Zimbabwe but spent much of his childhood in South Africa. He is attending Minnesota State University in Mankato and has started several student organizations that help improve the lives of international students. Today, you can find Liberty empowering students to find their voice as he himself exemplifies the change he wants to see in the world. This is his story. 

SUMMARY

• 01:36 - Simon and Liberty explore the impact of Liberty’s favorite quote on his life. 
• 03:40 - If you could spend a day with John F. Kennedy, what would you talk with him about?
• 05:03 - What was life like growing up in South Africa and Zimbabwe?
• 11:23 - Where did your name, “Liberty” come from?
• 12:42 - Were there any moments or events that made you the activist you are today? 
• 14:23 - When did you first start thinking about studying in the U.S.? 
• 16:51 - What did your parents think when you said you were going to study in the U.S.? 
• 17:38 - Is hip-hop a big influence for you? [Documentary called Hip-Hop Evolution] 
• 18:53 - What have been the biggest differences between living in the U.S. and back home? 
• 21:07 - How did the Student Workers Organization come about? 
• 26:48 - How hard has it been to change the mindset of students who aren’t used to standing up for themselves?
• 29:28 - How did you address students not feeling comfortable getting the tutoring help they needed?
• 32:42 - How would you want people who can’t understand what you’re saying to go about trying to understand you respectfully?
• 35:43 - What have you found that is easier in the U.S. compared to Zimbabwe or South Africa? What is harder? 
• 40:23 - Do you have a favorite custom, tradition, or holiday either back home or in the U.S.? 
• 41:22 - On June 16, 2019, recounting a challenging experience with a police officer.
• 47:52 - Do you think things would have gone differently if you weren’t familiar with how to handle yourself in that situation?
• 53:33 - What were you able to teach the police department and open their eyes to?
• 55:46 - What are some stereotypes that people in the U.S. have of international students?
• 59:15 - What stereotypes or misconceptions did you have of U.S. citizens?
• 1:03:10 - Do you have any favorite American slang words?
• 1:05:02 - Do you feel like you were able to make a difference for international students through this interview?
• 1:09:02 - Liberty’s friend Terrence fought mightily against cancer and inspires him to this day. 

GUEST INFORMATION
Instagram liberty_hombe 

Twitter @LibertyHombe

LinkedIn liberty-hombe

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