Soccer Changed my Life! World Cup 2014!

I remember like it was yesterday…

One of my friends’ dad asked if I wanted to play soccer. With limited English, I said, “Yes, no money.”
He said, “How about if I give you shin guards, cleats and a soccer ball. Would you play then?”
With excitement I said, “Yes!” Thank you, Joe!

I was 11 years old when I fell in love with soccer! It was my way of coping with life and way of life. I became really good at soccer. I made the travel team and played in college. Soccer taught me teamwork, self-esteem, discipline and many more life skills. I love it so much that I decided to share with the world and give back.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I started the first girls and boys soccer team in my host village with a focus on girls’ rights. Our first game brought the community together. Little I known, years later it became a soccer league in the area!

I am grateful for all of the coaches that made an impacted in my life and the soccer moms who had made it possible where I could be a part of the team despite the fact that I didn’t have money. Soccer changed my world. Life is beautiful. Pass it on…

Remembering the Refugee Officer; World Refugee Day

Before my 8th birthday, I had lived in more than 8 refugee camps…

I remember like it was yesterday. I was playing with rocks as if they were Barbie. A Refugee Officer was interviewing my parents. Few months later, we received the amazing new that the officer had granted us an opportunity to start our new lives in America! I was 8 years old when we arrived in the U.S. I didn’t know how to read or write. My life had changed.

“Refugees survive terrible ordeals: torture, upheaval, perilous journeys, and the loss of everything and everyone they knew. They flee violent conflict. They are persecuted because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, social group or political beliefs.”

Today is World Refugee Day; the world honors the courage and resilience of refugees as well as the dedication and generosity of those who help them. Happy#WorldRefugeeDay.