Mo' Sibyl

뿌리를 위하여| Back to the Roots: Why I Sent My American Kid to a Nigerian Boarding School — The One With Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges | Episode 26 (2025)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 뿌리를 위하여| Back to the Roots: Why I Sent My American Kid to a Nigerian Boarding School — The One With Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges | Episode 26 (2025)

Can you imagine sending your 8-year-old back to your home country for school after immigrating to another country? Before you say, “Heck no!” Especially my Naija people, you might want to listen to this episode.

This week, we’re joined by the remarkable Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges: educator, community builder, founder, and mother extraordinaire. We both met in boarding school almost three decades ago. In this captivating conversation, she takes us on a journey through her life as a Nigerian-American woman shaped by both Brooklyn and boarding school. And yes, she made the bold decision to send her American-born daughter back to Nigeria for high school, not as a punishment, but as an intentional investment in identity, discipline, and legacy.

From her own cross-continental upbringing to raising bicultural children, Dr. Elizabeth shares how early immersion in a Nigerian boarding school (beginning at age 8) sharpened her independence, forged resilience, and even earned her an unforgettable nickname. We unpack what it means to truly belong, as she redefines home not as a zip code but as “where you make an impact.”

This episode is for every parent questioning how to raise grounded kids in a culture that often feels disconnected from their roots, and for anyone navigating the in-between of heritage and new beginnings. We also explore her passion for civic leadership, the role of faith, and how she’s preparing the next generation to lead with both heart and heritage.

Tune in now to learn why, for some families, going “back” can be a powerful step forward.

Contact Dr. Elizabeth directly: e.ajayibridges@gmail.com

Let her know you found her through The More Sibyl Podcast.

인종간 입양인|The One with Christelle Pellecuer - Between Worlds: A Transracial Adoptee's Journey from Madagascar to France: Episode 2 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 인종간 입양인|The One with Christelle Pellecuer - Between Worlds: A Transracial Adoptee's Journey from Madagascar to France: Episode 2 (2024)

In this episode, Christelle Pellecuer, a certified coach empowering black adoptees, joined us on The More Sibyl Podcast to share her journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. As a transracial adoptee (someone who has been adopted into a family of a different racial or ethnic background) from Madagascar raised in France, Christelle's narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the ongoing quest for identity.

The conversation explored Christelle's experiences growing up in France, feeling disconnected from her Malagasy roots, and the complexities of transracial adoption. She shared poignant moments from her childhood, highlighting the challenges of navigating her identity in a predominantly white environment. Despite these hurdles, Christelle's story is one of hope and perseverance.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode was when Christelle spoke about the joy of reconnecting with her African roots. She expressed the bittersweet realization of not fully embracing her heritage earlier in life, citing the "black tax" as a barrier to cultural understanding. However, she emphasized the importance of embracing one's identity and urged families to do better in fostering cultural connection. Christelle also shared her reflection on her journey as a mother. She candidly shared the challenges of raising her daughter while still grappling with her own identity. Through her experiences, Christelle learned the value of self-awareness and the importance of creating a supportive environment for her daughter's growth.

Throughout the conversation, Christelle stresses the active involvement of adoptive parents in their child's cultural education, advocating for the incorporation of cultural elements into the home and participation in cultural events. She concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace self-awareness and explore their identities, highlighting the adoption journey as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Christelle's story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and self-reflection can lead to finding belonging despite the challenges of transracial adoption.