My biography book

Biography of Caleb Merid

Page 1

• Personal Information

  • Name: Caleb Merid

  • Background: Grew up in East Africa, Eritrea.

  • Education: Studied at the University of Asmara after serving for some time.

  • Scholarship: Received a scholarship to study in Minnesota, USA.

• Escape from Eritrea

  • Government Policy: Faced difficulties with the government's exit visa policy.

  • Crossing the Border: Left the country by crossing the border after being denied an exit visa.

• Religious Persecution

  • Belief: Caleb is a Protestant believer.

  • Religious Freedom: Eritrean government is against freedom of religion, leading to the arrest of many believers who practice in group homes.

  • Arrest: While worshiping, Caleb was arrested, leading to a 10-month detention in a facility called ADI Albeito, where he faced torture.

• Return to Work

  • After release, returned to his position as a Graduate Assistant at HAC but faced trouble due to his political opinions.

• Second Escape Attempt

  • Attempted to escape to Sudan, traveled by car for 6 hours, and on foot for 10 hours.

  • Capture: Caught at the border after being shot at, leading to harassment and forced barefoot travel through the desert.

  • Detention: Sent to a prison holding facility, endured months of difficult conditions.

• Final Escape

  • Escaped with another detainee during a doctor's visit.

  • Roamed the desert before reaching Kesela, Sudan refugee camp.

• New Opportunities in Sudan

  • Moved to Khartoum after applying for his scholarship again, tried to start a new life.

• Journey to the USA

  • Eventually got the chance to study in the USA, arriving safely in Minnesota.

• Academic Achievements

  • Completed a Master's in Animal Science.

  • Worked for 3.5 years at Jennie-O Turkey Store.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

  • Faced financial pressure with family members crossing borders, leading to a decision to start his own transportation business.

• Current Life

  • After a 12-year journey, now comfortably living in Dallas, Texas.

  • Achieved personal milestones: buying a dream home and car.

  • Continues efforts to reunite with a long-time lover left back in Eritrea.

Page 2

• Cultural Background and Early Life

  • Eritrea: Rich cultural heritage amid political struggles.

  • Importance of Education: Strong emphasis on education in Caleb's family, leading to his early academic pursuits.

• University of Asmara

  • Premier institution in Eritrea, provided a sanctuary for intellectual pursuit despite political turmoil,

  • Caleb achieved academic excellence and was actively involved in various extracurricular activities.

• Challenges of the Eritrean Government

  • Mandatory national service complicating Caleb's academic journey;

  • Pressures of state control creating a stifle on open discourse and critical thinking within academic institutions.

• Faith and Persecution

  • Participation in clandestine religious gatherings leading to notable risks and imprisonment.

  • The arrival at Adi Abeito where Caleb faced severe human rights violations.

• Surveillance and Political Climate

  • Increased scrutiny of students and faculty expressing dissenting opinions, painting a picture of an oppressive educational experience.

• Escape Attempts

  • Discussed motivation and impacts of Caleb's desperate attempts to flee in pursuit of freedom,

  • Highlighting the physical and emotional toll of leaving one's country for liberty.

  • Sparked the need for an organized escape plan, emphasizing Caleb's resilience.

• Settlement in Sudan and Further Adventures

  • Overview of life in Sudan:

    • Initial struggles of being a refugee: living conditions in refugee camps, bureaucracy involved in resettlement, and the desire for continued education.

• Journey to the USA

  • The transition from refugee to academic scholar,

  • Confronting acculturation challenges and rediscovering educational freedom.

• Professional Development in Minnesota

  • Details about degrees obtained,

  • Work at Jennie-O and community connections in Minnesota.

• Entrepreneurial Endeavors

  • Insights into running a transportation business,

  • Financial obligations to family and community support through entrepreneurship leading to progress.

• New Beginnings in Dallas

  • Life transformations brought about by success in business,

  • Personal achievements and reintegration into American society.

  • Desire for reunion with loved ones, celebrating the significance of enduring relationships.

• Faith and Resilience

  • The role faith played throughout Caleb’s journey,

  • The continuous act of sharing his religious beliefs in a new land marked by freedom.

• Advocacy

  • Forming connections within the Dallas Eritrean Community,

  • Advocating for human rights and sharing personal narratives to enlighten and inspire others facing adversity.