Syrian refugee excels in master’s degree in Kentucky
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A Syrian refugee who was forced to leave her home after the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, excels in University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work, pursuing a master’s degree.
Madona Elias graduated in 2004 from the University of Aleppo in Syria, where she became a specialist in the mental and behavioral health field, according to Spectrum News.
However, she and her loved ones relocated to Kentucky after the war in Syria, leaving behind family, friends, and her home.
After finding refuge, Elias’ dreams of making a difference in the mental health arena followed her.
Now, 20 years later, she is back in school with the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work, pursuing a master’s degree. This time around, Elias faced new obstacles, including language barriers, family responsibilities and other concerns.
However, while pursuing this degree, Elias formed her ‘global mental health care intervention program’ that will help people in Kentucky during critical nationwide events, such as a pandemic or epidemic, according to the source.
“Substance abuse disorders have never been a major issue in Syria like the way it is right here. So, there are different types of infectious diseases. They can be different, non-communicable diseases can be different.” Elias said.