Keeping up With Courage

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I still remember when I felt like my departure date for the States was a million years away. I remember not telling many family and friends because I thought I had more time to tell them; this was also the reason I started packing the day before my departure. But time was never subjected to my thought, so it came faster than I thought and caught me unprepared. I was not prepared to leave everything I had grown to know and love: my family, my friends, and my Liberian food. Nor was I prepared for the cold weather in the States, but I knew that this was what I signed up for, so I had to embrace it. When I got to the States, almost everything was different. One difference was the fact you could get fined for jaywalking.

In Liberia, when crossing the road, you are expected to use your common sense. I was so thankful when my mentor told me about jaywalking, or I definitely would have gotten fined. My mentors have been one of the strongest support teams I have in the States along with the SHE-CAN staff. I have learned so many different things from them, but most importantly, I am always being reminded to stay physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy considering that this huge transition can be unhealthy. ​

Upon my arrival, I stayed at one of my mentors’ homes, and so far, it has been the best experience I have had in the States. They were my family away from my family. I watched how they would joke around and tease each other just like my family back home and for those brief moments, watching them made me miss my family a little less. My SHE-CAN sisterhood is amazing, but my mentors are truly God sent. During the first week when I was learning everything all at once and it became overwhelming, my mentors were there reminding me, through motivating messages and snacks, that I earned my spot at the University of Portland; I was there because that is where I belonged, and nothing should make me feel misplaced. The best part was, they supplied me with the perfect combo —messages and snacks! Aside from me still processing that a 15-minute car ride costs $30 USD, I can proudly say because of my mentors’ guidance, I am gradually settling in. ​

Life on campus and in the U.S. in general has been a lot more manageable because I have them. When all is said and done, I just want to make proud those who have loved and believed in me way more than myself. All of them serve as a living reminder that my success is not mine alone.