Saif Namiq, was 20 years old when he and his family fled Iraq, came to the United States where they settled in San Diego as refugees.
Living in a new country presented a different type of struggle: “Financial support of my family was now my priority, while keeping my dream of becoming a pharmacist a burning desire in me."
Namiq worked full-time in various jobs while being a full-time college student, eventually completing his doctor of pharmacy degree.
He is now a pharmacy manager at CVS Health in the El Cajon area, which is home to a large Middle Eastern community, including refugees and immigrants from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH SAIF BELOW.
Photo: Getty Images