Immigration Ain't Easy
Immigration Ain't Easy provides a variety of perspectives and stories on modern-day U.S. immigration. The show will bring some levity to an often somber subject. Shows include:
- Interviews with people who have attempted, both successfully and unsuccessfully, to navigate a draconian and antiquated system.
- Interviews with immigration lawyers and other experts.
- A weekly review of the wild and ridiculous actions taken by the U.S. government.
Immigration Ain't Easy
Immigration Ain't Easy Ep. 42: Dr. Michael Lokale
Running brings great health benefits for many, but for Dr. Michael Lokale it brought him opportunity and a chance at the American dream. Dr. Lokale was born and raised in a remote tribal village, Kitale, Kenya to corn farmers. He witnessed many people die of preventable diseases. The lack of medical care motivated him to become a doctor and his intention was to go back to Kenya and help improve the healthcare in his native land, but, like the Boston Marathon, life has many twists and turns.
Dr. Lokale knew that he could get a top-notch education in the United States, but getting a scholarship would be a necessity to reach the finish line. His cousin, Paul Ereng, surprised the world in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul when he came out of nowhere to win the gold medal in the 800 meter race. Paul knew how important it was to use your best skills to get your foot in the door as he ran for the University of Virginia and received his bachelors degree. Paul told Dr. Lokale how to apply for an athletic scholarship. He applied and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Virginia Military Institute.
Warning: This is only the halfway mark of this marathon of a story.
In 2003, with his combination of athletic and academic excellence, Dr. Lokale received the prestigious Rhodes scholarship. At the time, he was only the 10th VMI graduate to ever receive this award. To put it into perspective, the previous VMI awardee was in 1967. His next stop: Oxford University in England where he got to mingle with the Queen of England and Nelson Mandela. Most importantly, he met his future wife Kathy who was also studying there.
Dr. Lokale returned to the U.S. after Oxford to attend the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He now resides in Oro Valley, Arizona where he keeps people healthier and happier. On a regular basis, Dr. Lokale returns to Kenya to volunteer at a clinic in the town where he grew up. His career finish line is still far away, but he has already won a gold medal in lifetime accomplishments!