Rita Lewé - Author Interview

 

Rita Lewé

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Without Hope, There is no Future

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school, etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I am Rita Lewé, originally from Cameroon and the youngest of the Lewé family. I grew up in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, alongside my three older siblings. My childhood was quite fulfilling, and I was heavily involved in sports. I played professional lawn tennis and was among the champions in Cameroon, competing numerous times in Europe and Africa. My parents were strict and kept me grounded throughout my upbringing. Competing from a young age instilled in me a fighting spirit and determination; once I set my mind on a goal, I never gave up until I achieved it. Initially, my plan was to pursue my studies in Germany after high school, which is one reason I speak German. I intended to reunite with my siblings, who were already there and ready to welcome me. However, an unexpected opportunity arose to move to the USA instead. It was a tough decision, as I would be embarking on this journey alone in a new country. I arrived in the US in 2009 at the age of 18 and did not speak English, which I had to learn, and it provided a significant challenge for me. I am incredibly grateful for my bonus family, who welcomed me with open arms and helped me navigate this new chapter of my life. I feel blessed to have them by my side, along with other relatives I met here in the US who supported me to the best of their abilities, and for that, I am truly thankful. I worked as a cashier at a café in D.C. I became a certified tennis coach shortly after arriving in the US, which allowed me to work as a tennis coach in Maryland. Fast forward to my time at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2015. Those years were challenging, as I balanced being a full-time student with juggling 2 to 3 jobs to make ends meet. I worked as a tutor for math, German, chemistry, and French at Howard, and after Howard, during a year off, I also worked as a delivery driver to make ends meet, picking up orders from restaurants to customers. After graduating from Howard University, I felt exhausted and needed some time to recharge. During that break, I contemplated my next steps: should I pursue medical school or pharmacy school? Ultimately, I chose pharmacy school and enrolled at LECOM in Erie, PA. In 2019, I graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. Standing on that stage and being called Doctor Lewé was an incredibly emotional moment, and I took the time to reflect on how far I had come, filled with gratitude. That day truly embodied the power of belief. Thus, the beginning of my next journey! 

What inspired you to author this book?

I know there are people out there whose journey may be similar to mine and who can be encouraged by my journey. I wrote this short book to be that little voice in their head, while at the edge of giving up that will resonate “Do not Give up, keep thriving, the best is yet to come.”

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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

As I searched for the perfect cover for my book, I came across a photo of myself taken during a trip to Mykonos, Greece. The image resonated with me; the sunset and the sea conveyed a sense of hope. This was the message I wanted to share with my readers through the cover. Despite the long and tumultuous journey, the sunset symbolizes the hope I wish to depict.

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

Personally, I have been profoundly influenced by the women in my life—my mother, aunts, sister, and cousins. These remarkable women have set extraordinary examples for me, inspiring me to embrace my own uniqueness. As a writer, I experienced a health scare in 2020 during the pandemic that brought me to rock bottom, and I had to hold onto hope as it was hard to accept and adapt to my new reality. This challenging time led me to start writing as a means of escape. Over time, I discovered its therapeutic benefits and decided to share my work with the world.

 What were the struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

One of the biggest challenges was resisting the urge to turn this book into a memoir, as I had numerous personal stories to share. However, I chose to reserve those for my next book.

Tell my readers about your book.

My book is like a comforting friend.

Who is your target audience, and why?

My target audience primarily includes individuals seeking motivation or personal transformation—those who are facing difficulties and struggling to find a way out. This book serves as a supportive friend, offering encouragement and guidance on how to navigate these challenges, with the hope of helping readers discover their meaning and purpose in life.

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What do you consider your greatest success in life?

I view my greatest success in life as the ability to give back to my community and the world. It’s about making a positive impact on someone’s life—whether that’s through this book in the virtual realm or through my interactions with patients and others in everyday life. Simply being able to give back and treat people with love and care is incredibly fulfilling. I believe that everyone is fighting their unseen battles, and my guiding principle in every encounter is to be KIND.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

I have a journey that is both unique and relatable, one that many people can connect with.