Emmanuel Dabuo’s Unquenchable Thirst for Knowledge
Posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2016 at 8:53 pm.
By Shellie Weaver of Missouri, host mom of a J-1 Secondary School Student
Emmanuel eating a S’more, one of his new favorite foods
Emmanuel Dabuo of Ghana befriended everyone from the moment he arrived. Whether at school, home, church, volunteer activities, or sporting events—he became the center of attention and achieved “movie star status” in our small community. His million-watt smile, genuine love of all people, hilarious giggle, and positive personality made him instantly popular. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone and try new things inspired others to be fearless. He reached out to those kids at school who were friendless, sitting alone in the cafeteria, and became their new best friend. His name means “God with us,” and it fits him well.
Emmanuel standing with Principal Lower as he prepares to receive the “Student of the Month” award at his high school.
He taught us that material possessions and monetary wealth have nothing to do with happiness. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge challenged his teachers and renewed their faith in the future of our youth. He epitomized every positive trait that our school strives to instill and became a friend, mentor, tutor, and encourager to everyone he met.
Emmanuel and host sister Olivia give a thumbs up on graduation day!
While small in stature, Emmanuel makes up for it with his giant personality and mighty love for others. Emmanuel represents the best of the PAX – Program of Academic Exchange and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs and has been a complete joy every moment of his stay. He made an indelible impression that will never be forgotten.
Note: This story originally appeared on the PAX – Program of Academic Exchange website.
Categories: Program Spotlight
| About Rebecca Pasini Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange | |
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Rebecca A. Pasini joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges in July 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister - Counselor, Ms. Pasini has been an American diplomat since 1997.
Ms. Pasini previously served as the Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in the Bureau of Consular Affairs from 2021-2023. Other Washington assignments have included positions in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Office of Foreign Missions, and as a liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. She has also completed multiple overseas tours, including as Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Islamabad, Pakistan, and as the Consular Chief in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Other tours included Mexico City and Kuwait.
A Maryland native, Ms. Pasini has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and an undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College.
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