- Written by Destined reader Mekdes on April 9, 2025
- Written by Destined reader Esther on March 17, 2025
- Written by Destined reader Regina on March 30, 2025
- Written by Destined reader Joann on March 31, 2025
- Written by Destined reader Florencia on February 17, 2025
- Written by Destined reader Cherri on February 8, 2025
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My hope in writing Destined was to help readers see beyond their past and present struggles and never give up on themselves. Since launching Destined on February 4, 2025, I’ve heard from some readers, and below are some of their reviews of the book.
Destined at the Penn Bookstore in Philadelphia
Written by Destined reader Mekdes on April 9, 2025
Thank you for sharing your journey of humility and courage… You offer your heart and share your personal story with raw honesty that is both humbling and powerful.
From the first page, it became clear that this is not just another account of triumph, but a candid exploration of vulnerability, struggle, and resilience of the human spirit.
The beauty of your book lies in your willingness to share the moments that most would shy away from: the failures, the doubts, the fears. But rather than allowing these challenges to define you, you used them as stepping stones …
Your courage in sharing your personal journey feels like an invitation to others who may find themselves in similar situations, reminding them that they are not alone, and strength often arises from the most unexpected places.
Aminata, thank you for reminding us not to feel that our story is too ordinary to matter; this book will reassure everyone who reads it that every life holds value and meaning. Through your courageous example, you reminded us our struggles are often the very things that equip us to inspire and uplift others.
This is a book for anyone seeking inspiration, encouragement, and a deeper connection to the power of authenticity.
Thanks and God bless you.
Written by Destined reader Esther on March 17, 2025
I have really been inspired by this book, Destined by Aminata Sy. The story is one of great accomplishments through hard work and sacrifices. I was inspired by you because you really did beat the odds. Learning English from scratch and graduating with a master’s degree. I was impressed by your daily commute from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. and sleeping really late and still managing to pass with distinction while also taking care of your family. I loved your passion of helping young African immigrants learn English and helping them to navigate through the American system of school. Your community service really touched my heart.
I believe you will go very far in your career and will help shape the American political system that accommodates everyone, including African immigrants. I however was shocked that you can be in America and still not be able to access quality education or afford it.
Nevertheless, I am proud of you for being proactive and a go-getter and making it through this difficult journey to make a difference in your future and your family’s future.
The book was very easy for me to read and was very captivating … It was an inspiring story to read from start to the end. I could not stop reading it. This book and story will remain with me and serve as a source of encouragement when facing challenges, and it will remind me how you achieved all these accomplishments despite the odds.
Thank you Aminata. I hope you continue writing.
Written by Destined reader Regina on March 30, 2025
I am inspired by Aminata’s real life experience. It takes courage to change your life. I am really impressed by your ability to transform your life from a high school dropout to earning a master’s degree to an American diplomat.
I love the way you used your experiences to inspire and change the lives of other immigrants. No one can really believe that English is not your first language. Your patience, determination, and resilience overwhelm me. I now believe I can change my life regardless of any challenge.
What amazes me the most about your story is the way you began from nothing with nothing other than the minimal bare for survival. How you refused to listen to external discouraging voices but embraced your challenges and turned them to greatest levels of achievement. I am moved by the way God opened your doors and wanted to connect you with important people who not only supported you but made it possible for you to succeed.
Congratulations, Aminata. Let this be the beginning of your writing. I don’t want to stop reading your book. I can read it and reread it again and again.
Thank you and God bless you.
Written by Destined reader Joann on March 31, 2025
While I remember so much of your inspirational story (your achievements at CCP, your acceptance to Penn, your work at different publications, etc.), I learned so much about you. What a great read – I’m inspired! Congratulations again, Aminata!
Written by Destined reader Florencia on February 17, 2025
This book should be a required reading for ESL students. As an immigrant I can identify with some of her struggles although I came from a completely different background.
Written by Destined reader Cherri on February 8, 2025
Congratulations to Aminata Sy on the publishing of her memoir, Destined. You went from a 21 year old high school dropout to an Ivy League grad with a Master’s Degree and now, a US Diplomat. You did it one day at a time, bit by bit, never giving up despite setbacks and challenges.
Hi, I’m Aminata Sy. I’m the author of the memoir Destined: A Story of Resilience and Beating the Odds, in which I write about how I started out in America as a high-school dropout and non-English-speaking immigrant and yet went on to earn a high-school equivalency diploma and associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and to land a dream career. All that time, I was a wife and mother too and had plenty of family responsibilities. I help community college and university students excel in their education, so they can transform their lives for the better. Subscribe to my newsletter here: aminatasy.com/join-newsletter.
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