Digital Project #1
They always say, when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. But we all know that lemonade does not just consist of lemons. There are loads of other ingredients that are required to make “good” lemonade. From a very young age, I have felt that life has dealt me a difficult hand, in other words, it has only given me lemons and forgotten the other ingredient’s.
There have been many times in my life when I’ve felt like an outsider. I was born into a family of refugees and moved to the states at the small age of 3 years old. When I was finally old enough to enter school, it was obvious that I was an immediate outsider who had trouble fitting in. Kids can be brutal especially when it comes to things they don’t understand, as an immigrant I was an easy target. I didn’t fully know the language and wasn’t yet accustomed to the culture, when I tell you elementary kids can be brutal, I mean it. I never was seriously bullied but I was made fun of, I’ve heard them call me an “African booty-scratcher”, and talk about the complexion of my skin, and even my hair. I’ve faced many challenges as a child, but I never let that get in the way of making new friends and fitting in. It took time but I wasn’t going to give up.
The part of my Identity that is significant to who I am is my perseverance and my bravery to pursue a dream that many people might say is impossible. I wait for the day that I perform on the big stage as a professional footballer. Having a dream so big comes with its struggles. When I was young, I always wanted to play for these clubs to improve myself, but my parents never had the money to send me away to play with these clubs, nor the time to come watch me.
I remember my very first coach. His name was Dr. Ralph Saintfort and he was my very first step in pursuing my dream. One day as I walked around my neighborhood with my friend, I stumbled upon a practice that was going on with kids my age. I watch the whole practice wishing I was involved. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but the first step was probably to talk to the coach. I’ve never been good at talking to adults so at this moment I was trembling in my shoes, but somehow, I mustered up the courage to ask him to be a part of the team. He asked me a few questions like “how old are you?” “Have you ever played soccer before?” and “where do you go to school?”. Education was important to coach Ralph. I gave him the answer to every question he asked, and he invited me back to practice. This club team was a non-profit owned by coach Ralph, he bought all the players’ new shoes, socks, shin guards, and jerseys. Coach Ralph was a real inspiration for me because he helped and supported me in all the ways I needed to begin my journey. I reminisce sometimes of the times when he would take 10 kids in his little SUV to games and tournaments. I can ever remember the taste of the granola bars he would give to us after every game.
I never grew up with a father figure in my life, I can say that Coach Ralph has had a hand in making me the person I am today. He taught me many things growing up and influenced the part that makes me a preserver. He pushed for us to do our best when it came to our education, he had tutoring with college students at the university in our town. As a little fifth grader, I like to say everything was hard, and never like to speak out loud. One day in the tutoring session, they asked us what was our dream and I said “I want to become a professional footballer”. Everyone in the room laughed but he looked at me and told me “never be afraid to follow your dream, wear your heart on your sleeve and be brave”. I still remember coach Ralph to this day and he has been a big motivator for me.
To say the least; life has put me far behind the starting line in many ways. Despite the challenges, I have found ways to enjoy life, and, in a way, assimilate what I was given. At times, it’s true, but it does get hard and I find myself envious of those that are my age that is in the position I dream of. I have put an endless amount of effort and work into this, from the 5 am sessions to the hundreds of hours spent at the gym, I continue to strive and create my opportunities. I’m not a person who has ever liked to work a minimum wage job, but I have done it to support my needs. I’ve spent a lot of money on traveling, clubs, and equipment that I needed.
On this journey, I’ve had many roadblocks along the way, I’ve heard coaches tell me I’m not good enough. As a player hear, those words will effect your confidence and even make you question yourself. Although that’s happened a couple of times I still go on to create my opportunities and have traveled to both coasts to pursue greatness. Everything hasn’t been just sunshine and rainbows but I choose to consistently work toward my dream and have the bravery to never give up.
