Students were given a firsthand look into the life of Tsisnami “Sissy” Sakvarlishvili during her visit to Glendale Community College on May 18th.

Sakvarlishvili spoke about her experiences growing up in the country of Georgia, surviving war, and the struggles she faced when immigrating to the United States. 

She began her presentation by introducing students to Georgian history, including the legend of Medea and the ancient Kingdom of Colchis.

She also discussed the country’s experience under Soviet rule and the challenges Georgia faced after gaining independence.

The conversation became more personal when she described the impact of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Sakvarlishvili recounted fleeing her home as Russian forces advanced and becoming a refugee after losing everything she had built.

“I never wanted to leave my country. I had a very good plan for myself,” Sakvarlishvili said. “I wanted to be there, but life didn’t give me another choice.”

After leaving Georgia, Sakvarlishvili relocated to Italy, where she earned a degree in political science.

Learning a new language and adapting to a different culture presented significant challenges, but she emphasized that education became the foundation for rebuilding her life.

“If I did it, you can do it too,” she said while encouraging students to remain focused on their studies.

Sakvarlishvili later transitioned into journalism, writing for news organizations in Georgia and covering topics ranging from politics to culture and immigration.

She interviewed many prominent public figures including politicians, opera singers, professional athletes, and even actor Alec Baldwin.

She described journalism as an opportunity to connect with people and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.

“Being a great journalist means being a great listener,” she said.

Much of her recent work has focused on immigrant experiences. Through reporting supported by the Pulitzer Center, she documented the lives of Georgian caregivers working in the United States, many of whom left their own families behind in search of economic opportunities.

According to Sakvarlishvili, many immigrant workers face loneliness, anxiety, and cultural isolation while caring for others.

“They are people, and they suffer,” she said. “Let’s treat each other nicely and kindly.”

Throughout the presentation, Sakvarlishvili encouraged students to speak openly about mental health, develop meaningful relationships, and use their voices to advocate for issues they care about.

“You have power,” she said. “We all together have power. That’s what democracy is about.”

During the event, students got the chance to ask about journalism, storytelling, and building trust with interview subjects.

When asked what advice she would give aspiring journalists, Sakvarlishvili stressed the importance of curiosity, preparation, and persistence.

“You become a writer by writing. Read a lot, ask questions, and keep writing,” she said.

For many students, the presentation offered not only a lesson in international history and politics but also a reminder of the resilience required to overcome adversity and the importance of sharing human stories.

For more information on the Pulitzer Center, you can contact Assistant Professor of History Michelle Stonis at [email protected].