Sarah Mosavi, sophomore at SLU, author of “Traveling With the Wind”
Sarah Mosavi, a second-year nuclear medicine student at Saint Louis University, has had an extraordinary journey. Born and raised in Afghanistan, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 15. The contrast between her new environment and her homeland was stark. After navigating these differences and evolving both academically and personally, she felt compelled to share her story through her writing.
Her book, *Traveling with the Wind: Memoirs of an Immigrant Teenager*, chronicles her life as a refugee in the United States following the conflicts that forced her to leave her home. The narrative primarily emphasizes her coming-of-age experiences in a foreign land, offering readers a personal lens into the turmoil and challenges of political upheaval.
Mosavi believes her book will resonate widely, transcending the specific immigrant experience it details. She asserts that its themes are universal, allowing diverse audiences to relate to her story.
She notes, “Although the narrative focuses on immigrants and refugees, it embodies a broader journey of growing up and finding one’s identity. It’s a message of resilience that everyone can connect with.”
When she embarked on her writing journey, Mosavi encountered challenges, including rejections from publishers. Despite this, her resolve to self-publish remained steadfast. “Engaging with adults about my work was enlightening. Their belief in my story and passion for it was incredibly motivating,” she shared. “I was determined to publish the book, regardless of external feedback. Perseverance is key.”
On March 31, Mosavi hosted a reading for SLU students, where she shared excerpts from her book and engaged the audience in a question-and-answer session. The event, co-sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies Department and the Welcome Neighbor organization—dedicated to assisting immigrant families in St. Louis—prompted discussions covering her travels and the impact of Holocaust films on her perspective.
The reactions from the audience underscored the story’s emotional depth. Junior student Advika Varadarajan expressed her appreciation for the unique insights that Mosavi’s memoir brings to a conversation often dominated by statistics and headlines. “Sara’s narrative shines a light on aspects of the refugee crisis that are seldom conveyed in mainstream media,” Varadarajan remarked.
Mosavi views this publication as just the beginning of her writing career and plans to concentrate on new works, particularly focusing on marginalized groups. “I aspire to amplify the voices of those often unheard—women and others who face challenges,” she stated. “My goal is to forge connections among people worldwide and illustrate our shared emotional experiences.”
She intends to conduct additional readings to reach broader audiences in St. Louis and potentially further afield. Her book is available for purchase on her website and through Amazon.
