From Atlanta to Monaghan for Love: The Story of Sam Owens.
On this episode of My Journey Home, we meet Sam Owens, who swapped Atlanta, Georgia — famous for Coke, BBQ, Delta Airlines, and the Olympics — for Monaghan, all in the name of love.
Sam met his wife Ingrid in the U.S., and in 2019, they moved with their two daughters to her hometown of Monaghan. A lifelong passion for special needs education led Sam to excel as a teacher back in Georgia, and he’s continued that dedication here in Ireland at Holy Family National School in Cootehill. Though it took time to navigate the requirements to become an SNA in Monaghan, he’s found his place — thanks in large part to the warm, supportive local community.
We loved hearing about his journey, how saying “Yes Ma’am” isn’t because he served in the army, but is simply an Atlanta tradition of showing respect, and how he was named after the Bible — not after “Uncle Sam,” the popular symbol of America.
In this heartwarming conversation, Sam shares why he believes it’s so important for migrants to integrate and get to know their host country, saying it enriches both the newcomer and the community. His philosophy? Carpe diem — seize the day, and live life to the fullest.
