FedEx Blog
Life-Threatening Journey Fueled by Quest for Freedom
Photo courtesy of Sydney Ocran
What if, at 13 years old, you had to flee your home due to a civil war, board a ship sailing to a foreign country and start a new life not knowing what the future had in store?
That is exactly what FedEx Ground team member Sydney Ocran experienced. His quest for freedom fueled a life-threatening journey from Liberia to the United States.
Overcoming the Impossible: At Sea and Then a Refugee
Ocran grew up in West Africa, but his circumstances quickly changed when a civil war erupted in Liberia. Separated from his family amidst the turmoil and bombings, Ocran fled to the Freeport of Monrovia in Liberia and hid inside a cargo ship.
The ship sailed the following morning with thousands of refugees onboard.
“I remember seeing people buried at sea and quickly realized that I had to fend for myself since I had no food and water for three days. I was weak, hungry, and thirsty, which put me in survival mode. I went from living to existing.”
The ship reached the coast of Ghana three days later.
Ocran survived the difficult moments by remembering his grandmother’s last words and the values she instilled in him as a child in Liberia.
“She told me to appreciate life,” he said. “Love, learn and never give up on your dreams. Never compromise your freedom and integrity. Always know that there is one thing that cannot be incarcerated: your imagination.”
Ocran spent the next eight years in a refugee camp in Ghana, where he married and had two children. He provided for his family with little to no access to basic life necessities. In constant search of ways to improve his situation, Ocran came across something that gave him a glimmer of hope: the United Nations was providing scholarships to refugees. Those who passed an exam would be granted the opportunity to study in another country. Ocran took the exam, but didn’t pass on his first try.
He held on to the belief that something better awaited him, so he tried again. This time he passed and received a chance to study in Russia. He arrived in Moscow with just $5 in his pocket and was told no additional financial assistance would be provided. Ocran saw this as just another challenge he knew he could overcome. He remembered what his grandmother taught him: failure was not an option.
Bringing Life Lessons to FedEx
Photo courtesy of Sydney Ocran
Sydney has since received a doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia and has worked as a professor, journalist, manager, social worker and, most recently, talent acquisition coordinator for FedEx Ground. He reflects on his achievements and continued growth by providing opportunities to people in his community.
Ocran said his life experiences have given him the ability to understand the value of people and building healthy relationships. His job at FedEx runs deeper than bringing new talent through the door. Ocran relates with others by sharing his journey and what FedEx has meant to him.
“I try in every possible way to understand the struggle of every individual I meet and ensure them that FedEx is not just a job but also a window of opportunity,” Ocran said.
“You see, the beauty of life is that, if you stop trying, you will fail, but if you keep trying with perseverance, determination and hard work, you are bound to succeed.”
Comments
Inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Keep up the good work Ocran. Your Grandmother instilled into life – a life you can live and live for your 2 young ones and others as well.
Sydney,
Your story is simply amazing! Your success is an example to people of all races, creeds and ethnicities of what perseverance and determination look like. You are a symbol of hope, and I applaud you for being committed to yourself and your Family! Grandmothers are always right.
What a touching story. Believing and following your dreams is true!
ALL things are possible. I admire your perseverance, tenacity and strength. Your story should become a novel as well as a Lifetime movie!
All I can is “WOW”… Thank you for sharing this inspiration of LIFE!!! I can imagine how many others are on the receiving end of YOUR blessings!
Thank you so much for sharing your remarkable life story. Your Grandmother instilled in you a life long lesson in living life to the fullest. Thank you again!!
Sydney,
Your story and approach to life are inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Sydney, you are armed and dangerous with love, knowledge and determination. Please use it wisely and application is key !!!!!
Betty Kennon
As a Ghanaian I know and understand exactly what Sydney you went through. All the odds were against you but you persevered and went above and beyond to overcome every obstacle on your way. You are an over achiever and a dreamer. The sky is your limit. Thanks for sharing your story.
Ocran,you are a prime example of “pressing on”. Your life story is so inspiring.
WOW, never give up. very touching story. Kudos sir
I ask God to bring people in my life that will be a blessing to me, whilst also allowing me to be a blessing to others. My blessing for you Ocran is that FedEx place you on a roster. From time to time FedEx invites people to speak/educate/inform their employees on different topics and it’s usually at the Hackscross location. Your story is crucial. I think that it would be an honor to have you come and speak to the hard working employees that work in the Memphis “Hub”. Your story has ignited a fire inside of me. Thank You and be blessed. I LOVE these types of stories…keep bringing them!
Reading this story reminds me of how Truly Blessed we are. Very inspiring, I can’t wait to share with my children. You exceeded your expectations!!!
What an incredible and inspiring story. Thanks for reminding us how truly blessed we are, and that with determination, perseverance and hard work, anything is possible!
Thank you for sharing your story. It is truly inspiring. I always try to treat people the way that I would like to be treated because you never know what someone is going through. Reading your story has made me think about life in a positive way. I need to believe and follow my dreams. Thank you again for sharing your life story.
God bless you – how incredibly awesome. WE are SO LUCKY to have you!
Incredible journey for an incredible young man. This story should be told over and over again to quicken the souls of others. This story challenges our thoughts and perceptions.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for you comment.
Hello Gwen,
Thank you so much for such kind words. I appreciate your comment.
Thanks for your comment Odessa, I am honored.
Hi Imma,
Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for your comment Cynthia.
Thank you Nancy.
I am honored Susan.
Thank you!
I appreciate your comment.
Thank you so much.
Thanks, Sandra!
Thank you John!
Hello Mischelle,
Thank you so much for your comment. I am honored. I do not mind speaking at your “HUB” if the opportunity arises. I am happy that you are also a blessing to others and I look forward to visiting Memphis’ HUB one of these days.
Stay Blessed.
Hi Nita,
Thanks for your comment.
What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing your life journey with all of us.
Incredibly inspiring. It would be an honor to hear this live. I’m sharing with my team.
What’s an amazing story! Thank you for sharing your life story with all of us. Much appreciated.
This is very inspirational and uplifting. I would like to share your story with my children. I am happy to see that you have overcome so many obstacles.
Be Blessed
You are a living example of the saying “life is war”. You fought it and you have won. Congratulations.
I am deeply touched about your story. And yes for sure your great grandmother gave you the best advice and guidance. And yes never forget where you came from and never stop imagination.
God’s blessings on your life. Very inspiring. Talking about perseverance, your Grandmother’s words kept you faithful.
You are a living testimony of HIS goodness! And what a way to be a blessing by sharing your story with others! Wonderful read.
Very encouraging.
What an Amazing life story! Thank you for allowing us to see through your vivid eyes of a life’s journey.
Thank you for Sharing
Remarkable
Encouraging & very inspiring story!!Stay blessed.
Powerful,Impactful, Inspirational
Very encouraging and great to read about your success. Continue to strive….
Sydney, Your story as a refugee and immigrant is inspiring in and of itself; but, especially during these times when immigrants are judged negatively. I’m proud to work for a company that employs so many immigrants and I’m equally as proud working beside immigrant country men and women. May your light burn bright and long!
Amazing and inspirational!
Sydney, your story is very inspirational and distills much courage and hope. A story many other FedEx employees should certainly hear! It’s a reminder to never give up, never stop learning and never stop growing.
Awesome… keep up the good work
is a blessing very encouraging strong will power god bless you
Its so inspiring may GOD bless you
This is one of the most touching and most courageous stories ever told. The old cliche “where there is a will, there is a way”, has never been more true. The world needs more people like you to help inspire the downtrodden. I am close to tears. Thanks for telling your story.
What an inspiring story. God bless you for your perseverance!
Thank you for sharing your story and what a great story of ambition, motivation and striving to do better, be better.
I admire your tenacity and achievements. Many congratulations. Thank you for sharing your journey and story. Your quote is is a wonderful quote for the journeys through life.
“You see, the beauty of life is that, if you stop trying, you will fail, but if you keep trying with perseverance, determination and hard work, you are bound to succeed.”
What a great feature of a fantastic individual! Thank You, Sydney for sharing your story. I can tell from the comments that so many people, including myself, have been encouraged by your personal journey and strength of conviction. I truly believe that opportunity and education are keystones for success. It’s great to see that still rings true.
All the best.
Sydney, as a fellow Liberian, I can relate. Congratulations. You are an inspiration to all Liberians, especially our younger generation. Possibilities are endless if and when we do not allow our circumstances to determine our worth.
Thank you for sharing your amazing life journey its real inspiring ,you lighting a spark in all of us .
To have wonderful words from a Grandmother to believe in can be a rare gift in the world. Thank you Ocran for sharing with us.
I guess there is always HOPE, when it seems there is none. Very inspiring
With a grandmother like that, how could you not succeed. I am most struck that it was in the midst of refugee camp that you found love, companionship. I needed this story very much on a Monday morning. Ashe
congratulations to you and to the management who gave you the opportunity and understood your value to FedEx and your potential!!!
Congratulations to you and your story is lesson for others
Thank you for sharing your story. It was so inspiring and teaches us to never give up on our dreams. Your grandmother’s wisdom was life changing for you but I am sure it will help many others who read your story too. What a journey…you have inspired many. God Bless you and your family with special blessings.
You are an inspiration!
Sydney,
Keep up the good work. The future is bright for y9u!
Wow amazing! Thank you for sharing your story!
Blessings to you, Ocran! Your success story has tremendously blessed me, and encouraged me all the more!
Wow! My fellow West African! As a Guinean I understand respect your journey and story. Its the story of many people in Africa, like my father! Keep up the ambition! Peace and blessing to you and your family.
What a heart warming story. Your journey has brought tears to my eyes. Your story give hope and shows that with hard work and perseverance the sky’s are limits. I’m very blessed in what your grandma instilled in you. Pure wisdom. Thanks for sharing your story God bless you.
Very Inspirational! Thank you for telling us your story.
Touching story never give up!
Such an inspiring story with so much to learn from! Thank you 🙂
Beautiful testament of humankind. You’ve proved that life’s struggles and disappointments can definitely become victories and accomplishments with will and determination. Truly honored that you’re a part of the FEDEX team.
You are a very brave man and a awesome father,may peace be with you and you family,God Bless you and your family.
Not sure what led me here, but your belief and a wonderful grandmother along with loads of determination… make for true inspiration.
Very inspiring story!!!