Migrant Odyssey – Ahmad's Story: From Sight to Insight
Host: Stephen Barden
Guest: Ahmad Jafeel
Date: March 2, 2025
Episode Overview
In this moving episode of Migrant Odyssey, host Stephen Barden sits down with Ahmad Jafeel, a young Lebanese man who, despite living with severe visual impairment, has triumphed over adversity and now uses his unique perspective to inspire others. Ahmad’s story is more than one of resilience through physical challenges—it's also a testament to the strength rooted in cultural identity, family support, adaptation to new lands, and finding purpose. The conversation highlights how migration isn’t just about escaping conflict; sometimes, it’s about seeking opportunities and dignities that home countries may be unable to provide.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Lebanese Identity & Migration Beyond War
- Why People Move (04:27)
- Stephen sets the theme by emphasizing that migration isn’t always driven by direct conflict but also by disparities in opportunity—especially medical care.
- Ahmad’s Relationship with Lebanon (05:09–06:25)
- Ahmad shares his deep connection with his Lebanese heritage, describing Lebanon as both a source of pride and pain.
“I’ve had a love-hate relationship for a good part of my life… But being outside Lebanon, living three years without going back, actually made me appreciate it even more.” – Ahmad (05:15)
- Ahmad shares his deep connection with his Lebanese heritage, describing Lebanon as both a source of pride and pain.
- Rooted in Resilience (06:34)
- Ahmad highlights the perseverance of Lebanese people amid continuous hardships.
“Yet… you keep seeing them having a smile on their face regardless… picking up the fallen pieces... that embodies a lot of strength.” – Ahmad (06:42)
- Ahmad highlights the perseverance of Lebanese people amid continuous hardships.
2. Navigating Life with Visual Impairment in Lebanon
- Rare Disease & Childhood Struggles (07:55–11:02)
- Ahmad details being born with Norrie Disease (No Block syndrome), a rare degenerative eye condition, and how he was the only severely visually impaired student at his school.
“Our society as a whole doesn’t shed too much light, if any, on people with any sort of disability.” – Ahmad (10:30)
- Ahmad details being born with Norrie Disease (No Block syndrome), a rare degenerative eye condition, and how he was the only severely visually impaired student at his school.
- Lack of Empathy and Systems (13:14)
- Ahmad discusses the scarcity of resources for disabled people in Lebanon, attributing it mostly to societal lack of empathy rather than just lack of funds.
“Even when Lebanon was in its heyday, not a lot of emphasis was placed on people with disabilities... even if they do graduate, there’s a lack of job opportunities.” – Ahmad (13:34)
- Ahmad discusses the scarcity of resources for disabled people in Lebanon, attributing it mostly to societal lack of empathy rather than just lack of funds.
- Personal and Societal Barriers
- The conversation underscores difficulties in accessing proper accommodations in school and limited career prospects even for highly qualified individuals.
3. A Life-Changing Move: From Lebanon to the US
- First Impressions in America (15:17–16:22)
- Ahmad contrasts his experiences, noting how, in America, he felt valued and supported, regardless of financial background.
“Here in the US, you do get to feel that you are a human being who matters in this society.” – Ahmad (15:49)
- Ahmad contrasts his experiences, noting how, in America, he felt valued and supported, regardless of financial background.
- Access to Healthcare (16:31)
- Upon migrating, Ahmad receives care at the University of Michigan, highlighting the US’s inclusive healthcare programs for the visually impaired.
4. Medical Crises, Setbacks, and Determination
- Losing Sight in His Right Eye (17:45–22:08)
- Ahmad recounts how a wrestling accident led to permanent blindness in his right eye due to surgical mistakes and limited healthcare in Lebanon.
“[After surgery] my right eye was starting to shrink as if it was deflating… Eventually, almost all of them said there was a mistake done during the surgery.” – Ahmad (18:45)
- Ahmad recounts how a wrestling accident led to permanent blindness in his right eye due to surgical mistakes and limited healthcare in Lebanon.
- Left Eye Crisis and a Turning Point (22:35–27:16)
- In 11th grade, Ahmad faced sudden vision loss in his left eye, leading him and his mother to the US for urgent surgery. The process was grueling, involving repeated setbacks and emotional turmoil.
“It was like you were turning a light switch on and off randomly... I was mentally in a very dark place.” – Ahmad (23:55)
- In 11th grade, Ahmad faced sudden vision loss in his left eye, leading him and his mother to the US for urgent surgery. The process was grueling, involving repeated setbacks and emotional turmoil.
- Academic Challenges and Triumph (27:16–34:51)
- Despite missing critical months and experiencing mental health struggles, Ahmad pushed himself beyond limits to catch up and eventually received his school’s Student of the Year award in a deeply emotional ceremony.
"I ended up studying from eight in the morning till four in the morning, and I only got four hours of rest. That was very hard... But I wanted to do it anyway." – Ahmad (30:56)
“When they announced my name… I walked up to the stage… and received a standing ovation. It was very emotional for everyone.” – Ahmad (33:41)
- Despite missing critical months and experiencing mental health struggles, Ahmad pushed himself beyond limits to catch up and eventually received his school’s Student of the Year award in a deeply emotional ceremony.
5. Embracing Acceptance and Resilience
- The Role of Acceptance (34:51–37:55)
- Ahmad credits acceptance as the beginning of his recovery and inner peace.
“Me just starting to be at peace with myself and accepting who I am and what I have and promising myself that I wouldn’t let it stop me…” – Ahmad (35:29)
- Ahmad credits acceptance as the beginning of his recovery and inner peace.
- Early Tales of Resilience (35:50)
- Ahmad recounts being bullied as a child and channeling his hurt into determination:
“I put a smile on my face and said... someday I'll earn the title of a legend... I'll show everybody that they've got a hero. And fast forward to my graduation ceremony. That vision came true.” – Ahmad (36:32)
- Ahmad recounts being bullied as a child and channeling his hurt into determination:
6. Building a New Life: Career, Ambition, and Giving Back
- From Student to Professional Interpreter (38:09–42:12)
- Ahmad studied Arabic-English translation in Lebanon before relocating to the US and launching a translation and interpreting business in Dearborn, Michigan.
"Getting that certification was a journey. It wasn’t easy... I had to memorize hundreds of healthcare terms... and know them deeply." – Ahmad (40:01)
- Ahmad studied Arabic-English translation in Lebanon before relocating to the US and launching a translation and interpreting business in Dearborn, Michigan.
- Ambitions for a Global Business (42:12–43:34)
- Plans to scale globally by hiring certified interpreters worldwide and meeting growing demands for translation services.
“I'm building it piece by piece, and I'm taking my time with it.” – Ahmad (42:26)
- Plans to scale globally by hiring certified interpreters worldwide and meeting growing demands for translation services.
7. Heightened Senses and Empathy as Strengths
- Sharpened Senses and Emotional Intelligence (44:27–46:45)
- Ahmad describes how his other senses, especially hearing, became keener after losing much of his sight.
“Most of my senses are sharper now… my hearing… I can empathize with people, I can understand their pain.” – Ahmad (44:27) “I can learn a lot about a person just by listening to their voice. …I can even tell if that person is telling the truth or if they're lying. I don't know how I do that…” – Ahmad (46:13)
- Ahmad describes how his other senses, especially hearing, became keener after losing much of his sight.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Lebanese resilience:
"You keep seeing them having a smile on their face regardless, you still see them persevering... picking up the fallen pieces." – Ahmad (06:42)
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On acceptance as a turning point:
"It was the first step towards recovery and inner peace." – Ahmad (35:29)
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On his graduation moment:
“I walked up to the stage to shake the principal's hand and received the award from him. And I received a standing ovation from everyone at the ceremony. It was very emotional for everyone because they got to see who I was.” – Ahmad (33:41)
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On his enhanced empathy and self-knowledge:
“Before, it was me who was always talking about his struggles. Now, I can listen to others, empathize with them, and even help them.” – Ahmad (44:47)
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On his vision for the future:
“I'm building it piece by piece and I'm taking my time with it.” – Ahmad (42:26)
Important Timestamps & Segments
- Lebanese Pride and Resilience: 05:09–06:34
- Disability Stigma in School: 10:06–11:02
- Lack of Support in Lebanon for Disabled People: 13:14–15:13
- Experiencing US Support and Medical Care: 15:17–16:31
- Losing Sight Due to Medical Error: 17:45–22:08
- Second Crisis, US Surgery, School Challenges: 22:35–34:51
- Receiving the Student of the Year Award: 33:34
- Personal Growth Through Acceptance: 34:51–37:55
- Building a Professional Life in the US: 38:09–43:34
- Discovering Sharper Senses and Empathy: 44:27–46:45
Conclusion
Ahmad Jafeel’s journey is a testament to the complex, often misunderstood realities faced by migrants and those living with disabilities. His experiences expose not only the institutional gaps in places like Lebanon but also the profound strength that can grow from adversity and self-acceptance. With his business ambitions and keen emotional insight, Ahmad exemplifies the “humanity without borders” ethos at the heart of Migrant Odyssey.
For more stories like Ahmad’s and to support the organizations mentioned, visit wavestohome.org