Media · In the news
News stories
Coverage of my journey from Burma to Michigan, my studies at Western Michigan University and my advocacy for refugee and first-generation students.
Latest
WMUK (NPR)
Radio feature
“They want you to suffer:” Rohingya WMU student recounts escaping Burma amid mass killings
Content note: discusses genocide and forced displacement.
In a long-form interview with WMUK, Western Michigan University’s public radio station, I describe growing up Rohingya in Burma, where my community faced forced labor and mass violence.
2026
Western Herald
Student newspaper
WMU student shares harrowing journey escaping Rohingya genocide at Board of Trustees meeting
Content note: discusses genocide and forced displacement.
WMU’s student newspaper covered my remarks to the WMU Board of Trustees on April 16, 2026, where I was honored as one of three recipients of the WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First-Generation Students.
WMUK (NPR)
Radio news
WMU scholarship recipient recounts journey from Burma to US, escaping Rohingya genocide
Content note: discusses genocide and forced displacement.
WMUK reported on the first recipients of the WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First-Generation Students, announced by WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, and on my testimony to the Board of Trustees.
2024
Central Michigan Life
Panel coverage
‘Less talk, more action’: Educating on forced displacement experiences
Content note: discusses genocide and forced displacement.
Central Michigan University’s student newspaper covered a March 20, 2024 panel hosted by the Refugee Outlook Collective, where I spoke about forced displacement.
2023
Muslim Foster Care Association
Feature story
The Refugee Youth Experience: Shofi’s Story of Hope & Resilience
The Muslim Foster Care Association shared my story as part of its Stories of Impact series.
FOX 17 West Michigan
TV segment
Muslim Foster Care Association offers children faith, hope, support
FOX 17’s Morning Mix featured my story alongside the work of the Muslim Foster Care Association.
2022
School News Network
Student profile
On his own since 12, refugee student sets his sights on college and career
Kent ISD’s School News Network profiled me as a senior at Kenowa Hills High School: a National Honor Society member, a varsity wrestler and a second-year student in the Kent Career Tech Center’s aviation electronics program with several NCATT certifications.