From Displacement to Dominance: The Inspiring Journey of a Gaming Guru at Mount Sinai

Born while his family was escaping from South Sudan and brought up in a refugee camp in Uganda, Lual Mayen is presently the CEO of his own gaming enterprise. In this podcast, he shares the narrative of his mother’s affection, alongside his own inventiveness, resolve, and fortunate circumstances.

[00:00:00] Stephen Calabria: From the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, this is Road to Resilience, a podcast concerning the confrontation of hardship. I’m your host, Stephen Calabria, the Director of Podcasting at Mount Sinai.

[00:00:12] In this episode, we host Lual Mayan. Lual was born while his parents were escaping South Sudan, and he was subsequently raised in various refugee camps across sub–Saharan Africa.

[00:00:23] It was during that time that Lual self-taught in English and computer programming, laying the groundwork for his significant breakthrough that would launch him to global fame.

[00:00:32] Lual’s inspiring tale exemplifies some of the evidently overwhelming obstacles confronted by many individuals worldwide, and how significant amounts of hope and resilience can steer one towards a better existence.

[00:00:43] We are privileged to have Lual Mayan on the program.

[00:00:47] Lual, it’s a pleasure to have you on the show.

[00:00:48] Lual Mayen: Thank you immensely. I’m genuinely thrilled to engage in this discussion.

[00:00:51] My name is Lual Mayen. I hail from South Sudan. I was actually born while my family was escaping South Sudan to discover shelter in Uganda. So I spent my entire childhood in Uganda. I am a former refugee, as many may know. Professionally, I am a game developer and a director.

[00:01:10] Stephen Calabria: Could you guide our audience through your first 22 years? A life in several refugee camps?

[00:01:17] Lual Mayen: Certainly. So firstly, when I inform individuals that I am from South Sudan and that I spent nearly 22 years in a refugee camp, many often inquire what that experience entails. What actually led my family to seek refuge in Uganda.

[00:01:33] Reflecting on South Sudan itself, prior to its independence, we were one nation, Sudan, and there was unrest that led to a civil conflict which began quite some time ago, specifically in 1953.

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