‘One of the most patriotic and humbling gatherings ever attended’

Last week, five individuals shared their immigrant journey with UC Davis Health community members at the Cancer Center Auditorium. This event was inspired by a recent Capital Storytelling event at Sacramento State last year.

Throughout the evening, you could catch glimpses of community members wiping tears away from their eyes, laughing, and touching their hearts as the storytellers described their unique experiences while traveling from their homeland to start a new life in the U.S.

Matthew St. Amant, culture and community program manager, reflected on their experience as an attendee.

St. Amant said, “It was truly moving to be welcomed into the lives of our employees and gain insight into the experiences that shaped who they are. Hearing about their families’ journeys, their personal reflections, and their resilience was both powerful and rewarding—it deepened my connection to them in a meaningful way.”

The storytellers also felt touched by the experience of telling their story to colleagues and friends.

Sara Aghamohammadi, chief wellness officer, was one of the five guest speakers. Aghamohammadi shared her story about growing up bicultural and her experience of a rite of passage during her last trip to Iran.

At the beginning of her story, Aghamohammadi said, “Growing up bicultural feels like you belong to neither, and I’m always searching for the opportunity to become one of them. But all it took was 20 terrifying minutes of sharing the lived experience of an Iranian woman to realize what it felt like to ‘become one of us.”

The other UC Davis Health guest speakers included Laura Zamarripa Mendoza, Stefan Toma, Leon (Kris) Tungohan, and Sandra Calderon.

Click here for a brief overview of what each storyteller touched on during their share.

Approximately 100 people registered to attend the event. Many attendees expressed gratitude and appreciation to those who stood on stage and spoke with such vulnerability.

Despite coming from different parts of the globe and having distinct roles in the health system, the storytellers all shared similar sentiments – deep appreciation and admiration for family and the sacrifices made to help them thrive in a new country.

Tungohan communicated how the power of love – and the love he and his brother still feel from their father in spirit to this day – shaped his path both personally and professionally.  

Following the event, Tungohan mentioned a conversation he had with his brother.

Tungohan said, “After the event, my brother couldn’t stop talking about how inspired and impressed he felt while hearing all the speakers. He even said it was one of the most patriotic and humbling gatherings he’s ever attended and was so glad he could bring his biracial daughter. The speakers beautifully displayed a side of America that isn’t celebrated enough. I’m so honored that I was able to be part of this with all of them.”

The final guest speaker of the evening, Sandra Calderon, nurse practitioner, also spoke about the value of family.

Calderon said, “This event not only highlighted the accomplishments of immigrant employees at UC Davis, but it brings to light the immense struggles and barriers we have endured. People risk their lives, leaving behind family and friends in order to live a better life. In the end, it revolves around family and culture, and those are the things we will never forget.”  

This event is part of a yearlong celebration of 35 years of our UC Davis Principles of Community. Another immigrant storytelling event is anticipated to take place in the fall.

To learn more about upcoming events, visit The Insider.