About Esty/Ubuntu

I am 26! Born in Utah. No, I am not Mormon, but half of my family is. Raised in Durham, NC. No, I do not have a southern accent. I blame that on my parents. They grew up in Egypt (more on that later). I have two younger sisters. More cousins than I can count and consider most people I've met and formed a connection with a friend. I have lived in UT, DC, VA, NC, FL, NY and I can now add South Africa to the list. I am extremely spiritual and believe that we are all here for a purpose.

I went to University of North Carolina at Greensboro for undergrad and studied Political Science with a minor in Spanish. No, I don't speak Spanish. Lol, I am working on it though. I went to Florida State University (FSU) for graduate school and studied Sociocultural International Development Education Studies and received a certificate in TESOL. After graduating I had the opportunity to teach at at two incredible Intensive English Programs- FSU and Columbia University. For the last year and a half I helped take care of my baby cousin full time in New York City while teaching adults part time  at a Non-profit in Brooklyn. I recently received a Fulbright ETA Grant to teach in South Africa. I applied to South Africa because I am half South African and I want to learn more about my heritage. My research in grad school and my teaching style focused on critical pedagogy in post oppressed communities. While in S.A. I hope to work on leadership development with young women as one of my side projects!

The Zulu tribe in Africa has a phrase to stress the importance of influence and relationships. “Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu: A person is a person because of people.” All of the people in my life have made an astounding impact in my life and have set in motion my passion to serve others in a local and global context. Without the support and love from my mom, dad, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, line sisters, teachers, colleagues and church family I would not be Esther, the encourager of hope.

*Upon arriving to South Africa and meeting some of my family, I received my African name that happens to coincide with this phrase, Ubuntu. (See my  Freedom Post for more on that)*

I hope this blog does three things: shares my journey to discover my roots, serves as a testament to those that have helped shape me to be the woman I am today, and lastly, I hope it inspires people to go after their dreams, no matter the obstacles! Be the change!