Jasmina Dervisevic-Cesic
Before she turned 20, Jasmina Dervisevic-Cesic lost a home, a husband, two beloved brothers and her right arm. She was the first Bosnian refugee granted permission to seek medical care in America. Now, more than 20 years later, Jasmina has forged a new life in Boston as an author, wife, mother, businesswoman, and human rights advocate.
Her memoir, The River Runs Salt, Runs Sweet, is the story of her life in Bosnia before and during the civil war that tore apart the former Republic of Yugoslavia. She is a frequent speaker in Facing History classrooms across new England and has traveled the country with her message of brotherhood and hope.
"At Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), we chose this book as our common read for our freshman class. We are so glad we did! The book met all of our expectations for our program: an international read set in a political and historical context, an accessible and engaging read relevant to current affairs, reasonable length, and most important - an inspiring read. We look for a memoir that gives students hope and courage to face the challenges they encounter in their lives. When they read the book, they understood that intolerance of others' beliefs has serious consequences, that human resiliency is powerful, and that love strengthens and heals. Our students loved the book because they found strong connections and they learned so much about another time and place in history, and the impact that negative leadership can have in the world - in this case ethnic genocide. We invited Jasmina Cesic to visit TAMIU and speak after the students had read and discussed the book in our freshman seminar class. It was a packed house- 800 plus students attended as well as many administrators and faculty.! As an individual, I learned much about the break-up of Yugoslavia and the political and cultural history of Bosnia. I am very grateful to Jasmina for taking the time to write about her very painful experience and educate us about this shameful period in world history."
-- Conchita Hickey, PhD., Dean, University College, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas
Videos featuring Jasmina Dervisevic-Cesic
Jasmina Cesic Highlights at TAMIU on October 10, 2014
Jasmina Cesic Highlights 10-10-14 from Randall Larsen on Vimeo.
