For Anyone Who’s Ever Been Counted Out

Samira Yanbei, a 26-year-old PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa, shares her transformative journey from surviving a civil war in her native Ivory Coast to becoming a beacon of resilience and purpose through her Buddhist practice. Growing up in a predominantly Christian and Muslim country, Samira was one of the few Buddhists in her community. Her faith was forged in the crucible of war at age 11, when her family faced invasion and she experienced profound fear—yet through consistent chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, she felt a protective force that helped her and her family survive. Years later, she defied expectations by skipping grade 12 and passing the national high school exam while on the rigorous STEM track, a feat that solidified her belief in her own potential. Moving to the U.S. at 16, she faced culture shock, language barriers, and deep self-doubt, retreating into silence and isolation. Through her Buddhist community, she gradually reclaimed her voice, taking on leadership roles and earning a 4.0 GPA in engineering. Her PhD journey was derailed by a severe stomach ulcer and burnout, leading to a crisis of identity and purpose. In that moment of vulnerability, she questioned her mission—only to realize her purpose was to pave the way for future generations, especially young people of color in STEM. This revelation reignited her strength, leading to a full recovery and renewed momentum. Today, she sees her work in sustainable plastic waste recycling as her life’s mission, embodying the Buddhist ideal of a Bodhisattva of the Earth. Her story is a powerful testament to how faith, effort, and self-discovery can transform trauma into triumph.