D.J.'s Hero Award Winner Spotlight - Om Kami
Over the next month we will be honoring each of this year’s 15 D.J.’s Hero Award winners. The D.J.’s Hero Scholarships are underwritten by David and Peggy Sokol in loving memory of their son, D.J., who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. The awards recognize Nebraska high school seniors who exemplify perseverance and selflessness and who are servant-leaders in their communities. A total of 157 D.J.’s Hero Scholarships have been awarded to Nebraska students over the past 22 years.
Om Kami – Central High School, Omaha
“I am my parents’ hope. They want me to get the proper education and be successful, because they never had the chance to go to school.”
Born in a refugee camp in Nepal, Om Kami and his family suffered through terrible living conditions and constant fear before they were able to relocate to Omaha when Om was in fourth grade. Despite being bullied for looking and speaking differently, Om was determined to master English. He spent hours indoors at recess practicing reading with his ESL teacher and listened closely to television and radio to pick up phrases.
Om excelled academically and later committed many hours every week to help other immigrant students learn English. He and his peers also founded the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska to help Nepali and Bhutanese families navigate the American educational system.
In addition to these challenges, Om’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. During her many months of treatment, recovery and rehabilitation, Om served as her translator, accompanying her to medical and physical therapy appointments so he could help her communicate with doctors and therapists. Observing how much physical therapy helped his mother, Om was inspired to pursue that course of study himself. “I want to help others regain their mobility and help make a positive difference in their lives,” he says.
Om plans to major in pre-physical therapy or exercise science this fall at UNO. “With the help of the D.J.’s Hero scholarship, I know I will be able to achieve my dreams and those of my family,” Om says. “This scholarship is my gateway to college.”