When Ibrahim Kondeh walks across the University of Oklahoma’s graduation stage this spring to receive his master’s degree, his journey will defy every odd stacked against him. His story—one of survival, perseverance, and unrelenting hope—spans war-torn regions, harrowing escapes, and an unshakable belief in the power of education.

Born into a world starkly different from the one he inhabits today, Ibrahim Kondeh’s earliest memories are etched with the realities of a small Sierra Leonean village – the absence of running water, the distant echo of formal education, and the scarcity of nearby healthcare. For young Ibrahim, hardship wasn’t a stranger; it was the landscape of his childhood.

Yet, within this challenging environment, a beacon of hope shone brightly: his mother. Recognizing the transformative power of education, she made a courageous decision, sending her six-year-old son to live with relatives in the city, a move that held the promise of schooling and a brighter horizon. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. The untimely loss of his father cast a long shadow, forcing a teenage Ibrahim to step away from the classroom and into the world of work, his young shoulders bearing the weight of supporting his family.

“My dad died in 2013, when I was around middle school age,” Ibrahim recounts, his voice carrying the quiet strength of someone who has weathered life’s storms. “My mom tried her best to keep me in school, but there came a point where she simply couldn’t anymore. She earned less than a dollar a day.”

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Driven by an unyielding desire for a life beyond the confines of his circumstances, Ibrahim made a momentous decision at just sixteen: He left home in search of opportunity, embarking on a treacherous journey through West and North Africa. He worked odd jobs in construction and farms, often sleeping outside, never knowing where his next meal would come from.

His biggest trial came in Libya, where he was held captive until he could pay a $400 ransom. “I worked in fields, earning barely anything, and every dollar went to my captors,” he said.

In a moment of unexpected grace, he befriended a security guard who became his unlikely ally, facilitating his escape and a perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea to Italy on a small, fragile dinghy.

“I wasn’t scared about dying, honestly,” Ibrahim reflects, his words imbued with a profound understanding of life’s fragility. “Because I lived in a place where I wasn’t sure if I’d see the next minute or the next second. Everything depended on luck.”

Landing as a refugee in Reggio Calabria, Italy, marked not an end to his struggles, but the beginning of a new chapter. He faced the daunting challenges of language barriers, the isolating sting of unfamiliarity, and the labyrinthine complexities of bureaucracy. Yet, his commitment to education remained an unwavering flame within him.

“I desperately needed a phone so I could teach myself Italian,” he recalls, “but I could only earn €5 a day working long hours on a local beach. It took me an entire month to save the €150 needed to buy a mobile phone.” Armed with this lifeline, he immersed himself in language learning apps and local classes, battling through isolation and uncertainty with an unwavering focus on his academic aspirations. Passing a crucial middle school equivalency exam opened new doors, and Ibrahim relentlessly sought opportunities for growth.

His determination led him to apply for and ultimately receive a scholarship to the prestigious United World College of the Adriatic, an international school that reignited his long-dormant dream of higher education. He was 20 years old—older than most of his peers—he reignited his dream of higher education.

From there, his journey took another remarkable turn. Ibrahim excelled academically, earning undergraduate degrees in accounting and management information systems. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business, where he is now completing his master’s degree in management information technology. Beyond academics, he immersed himself in leadership organizations, including the President’s Leadership Class and the JCPenney Leadership Program, forging connections with mentors who offered invaluable guidance and inspiration.

As graduation looms, a future that once seemed impossibly distant is now within reach. Ibrahim will join Ernst & Young in Houston as a Technology Risk Assurance staff member, an opportunity that speaks volumes about his extraordinary transformation.

“I wasn’t born a Sooner, but when I die, I’ll be a Sooner,” he declares, his voice filled with heartfelt gratitude. “OU changed my life forever.”

When Ibrahim Kondeh steps onto the stage to receive his master’s degree, he will carry with him not just a diploma, but a powerful narrative of resilience etched in every step.

His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young man who dared to dream beyond the confines of his birthplace, a journey that spanned continents, cultures, and countless obstacles, ultimately culminating in the promise of a brighter future, earned through unwavering courage and the enduring power of hope.