Hi, I am Samuel Hagos.
Welcome to my Substack, a space where I write to process life’s musings, share my personal experiences, reflect on faith, offer devotional thoughts, and occasionally review books.
Most importantly, this is where I have the freedom to write myself clear.
I have spent most of my life and the majority of my adulthood as a professional student. From childhood, I have enjoyed writing (I remember writing short stories for fun in the 3rd grade). The older I got and through more schooling it became a formality. Then, I wrote because I had to.
Now, I write because I want to.
Welcome along the journey.
Who is Samuel Hagos?
This is the million-dollar question. If I had the answer, I’d gladly share it with you. I could list things about myself (it is an “About Me” page, after all) or compile a summary of what I’ve accomplished in nearly three decades of living.
That’s what I’m prone to do—and, honestly, what most of us are inclined to do.
But in this season of life, I’m learning that we are so much more than what’s captured on a CV or resume. A single 8x11 sheet of paper cannot possibly tell the full story of who one is. And while the things about us—our achievements, our titles, our roles—are a part of who we are, they can never define us entirely.
I am on a journey of discovering who I am outside of what I do or what I can produce. Who would have thought a simple “About Me” page would lead to this existential rabbit trail? (Well, welcome to what goes on in my mind lol).
I am a son, a middle child, a brother, cousin and friend.
I am from Dallas, Texas, where I spent the majority of my life (childhood until college graduation)
I am first-generation Ethiopian-American.
I am a coffee-fanatic. I was a barista back in the day, and really fell in love with the art and craft of a cup of coffee.
I am a two-time Marathoner, though I do not run much anymore (Dallas, 2018; Chicago, 2019).
I am a learner. Practically all of my childhood and adolescent years were as a student, then I went straight to college then graduate school. For almost 22 years of my life I was in formal education, almost 8 by choice (and necessity), I might add. I am a life-long learner.
I am a pastor vocationally. Depending on your background, you may have different ideas of what I do come to mind. And, we can unpack that in detail later. Long and short of it is: I am a human being, who has sensed God leading to serve Him in formal vocational Church ministry.
I am a reader. Books provide a dual experience: they act as both a mirror and a window. They offer a grand view of the world, life, and humanity while simultaneously reflecting and calling something out of you. Among all genres, biographies are my favorite. Few things cultivate sympathy, understanding, and patience as effectively as immersing yourself in the detailed story of a person’s life and witnessing how they became who they are. For me, reading biographies hasn’t just been enriching—it’s made me a better pastor and a better person.
I live in Chicago, Illinois.
Let’s Connect
Drop me a line: samuelhhagos@gmail.com
Instagram: @SamuelHHagos
BlueSky: @samuelhhagos.bsky.social
