Alba
“You are an example and role model to all the young girls who see in you the possibility of who they can be and of what they strive towards being. Being a woman is much more than being just a pretty face, body or the trophy standing next to a successful and powerful man.”
Wegahta, who commonly goes by “Alba,” is always aspiring to live outside of her comfort zone; as an artist, this quality has made her extremely successful in her creative endeavors. After leaving her home country to pursue a better life for herself, she was quickly faced with unimaginable terror when she was kidnapped at the border and held captive for months. This experience shaped her unshakable appreciation for life and love, as well as helped develop the resilient and determined skin in which she lives. Meet Alba. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: Hi! My name is Wegahta Tsehaye. People call me Alba. Born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea. I’m a mommy to a 4 year old princess, daughter of the strongest couple, a sister, and a good friend. I’m a painter and medical secretary and one of Jehovah’s witnesses, who considers the Bible as life’s GPS. Lover of nature and life itself.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
A: I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I’m not comfortable with settling, and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness. I’m also a good listener, I love making people feel valued and respected.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: My favourite thing about myself is that I am patient and grateful for what life could offer.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
A: Well, there are a lot of stories! Where do I even begin *sighs*
I dare to call this episode of my life: *Reborn*. It all started in 2011, I had to immigrate to Sudan from my homeland Eritrea because of the political and religious issues. I had to walk a week on foot with a small amount of water and food. I was young and unexperienced. It was hard leaving my life, family, education and mostly my dad who was recently put in jail because of his religion. I had no idea what could happen to him and the rest of my family, but I needed to flee away anyways.
Once I reached the Sudanese border, 3 youngsters and I got kidnapped by an organ trafficking group for three whole months. They had to kill some of us, but I luckily survived. Those three months of my lifetime are the turning point of my life. I am a survivor! That period gave me a lifetime of lessons to show love, to be patient, grateful, and changed my perspective about my life and made me strong than ever. It really has defined my future and made it clear that there is nothing that is impossible. Yes, it is a harsh experience, but the positive side is bigger and brighter.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: Go into action with your dream, do not fear to fail. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. And always do the right thing! Even when no one is seeing you! Let doing the right thing be your brand and logo! Then trust me, you’ll be unforgettable!
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman to me is more than having your period for the first time or turning a certain age. Being a woman is understanding that you are the mother of all earth, that you are the mother of not only your children but, of all this world. That you’re here to love, to care and to give. It is understanding that you are an example and role model to all the young girls who see in you the possibility of who they can be and of what they strive towards being. Being a woman is much more than being just a pretty face, body or the trophy standing next to a successful and powerful man. Being a woman is being beyond beauty, looks or what the patriarchal society that we are living in today has made us believe than we should settle for.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
A: One woman who inspires me is my mother, Hagosa Kibrab. She is the strongest, most modest, and divine woman I’ve ever known. She taught me and is still teaching me to be the very best version of myself and to show empathy to those who are around me. Its been 10 years since I’ve seen her, but I always tell her and will say to her when we meet, that I’m truly grateful to be her daughter and thank her for being the greatest woman.