Carleton MJ student Marc-André Cossette recently shared his story on one Syrian refugee’s long journey to Canada with Maclean’s Magazine.
“Rasha left everything she knew behind in Syria for a chance at a new life,” he said. “While tragic, it really is an inspiring story.”
Originally from Damascus, Rasha fled to Lebanon after her brothers were killed by groups linked to the so-called Islamic State. Last April, she arrived in Ottawa, where she began to make a new life for herself.
“She could barely speak English at first,” Cossette said. “And yet, she very quickly found a place to stay, learned the language, and found not one but two jobs.”
Cossette first met Maclean’s managing editor Sue Allan last fall, when she presented as a guest speaker in one of his first-year courses. “I might not have pitched the story to Sue if I hadn’t met her previously,” he said. “Needless to say, I’m very glad I did.”
As Canada continues to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees, Cossette said he was pleased Rasha’s story will now find a larger audience.
“Her story is hers alone, but each refugee brings their own experience of loss and suffering,” he said. “I hope this piece will help readers better understand just how resilient refugees really are.”
Friday, January 8, 2016 in Journalism News, News
Share: Twitter, Facebook
