Foday Keita '20 Recruiting Profile

Ever since middle school, I've always been different, or an outlier among my classmates. My name was different from others. There was always a Keyanna, a Brandon, and even a William in my grade. My historical background came from West Africa. My parents were immigrants and war refugees. Everything about me was completely different. Kids constantly teased me about that and at those moments I felt alone. I was ashamed and angry; the decisions I made came from this one source. In a way,  I wasn't quite ready to accept who I was, or where I come from. My identity was unknown and I needed to figure it out quickly before I was lost. 

Libbra Bray, an author, once said that "Change happens with one gesture, one person, and one moment at a time". This quote took effect in my last year of middle school. My 8th-grade year was one of the best years of my life. I was fortunate;  not because this was my last year, but that I found my identity, which helped form my aspirations in life. There was this woman; I used to talk to her every time I was at the bus stop. We usually talked about things, such as sports and politics, but this day was different.  I remember the specific details like it was yesterday. This day was extremely awful for me: I failed my exam for the quarter, I got into a huge argument with one of my classmates, and I lost my house keys along the way for some strange reason. At that moment, I resented myself and I just wanted to give up. So, I quietly sat at the bus stop, replaying this same message in my head, but the next thing that happened changed my life forever. The same woman, who I usually talk,  says " Hey you? You don't know how good you got it as young men in America". I said, " What? " She said, " Yea you don't. There are so many opportunities around you; you don't have to beat yourself up every time. Maybe the reason you feel like this is because you haven't quite identified what inspires you the most". It's crazy how this woman knew more about me than I knew about myself. This quote right here started a new chapter in my life; it motivated me to find my inspirations and in doing so, I found it. 

The people who inspire me the most were right there the whole time, which were my parents. The same people who gave me life, put food and clothing on my back, and have raised me to become the man I am today. I was shocked at first, but over time they became my idols and heroes. My dad suffered a lot as a young adult. His family had to escape Liberia because of a war that took place. When he finally arrived in Philadelphia, nothing came easy. As an immigrant, he had to work extra hard to accomplish his goals in life. On the other hand, my mom came to Philadelphia at a very young age. She was only sixteen. My mom had to learn how to speak English and had to adjust to her new life. She became pregnant with me at nineteen and had to finish high school while she and my dad had to provide for me. Both parents now have rising professional careers. My dad is a diesel technician and my mom just received her bachelor's degree in nursing. I couldn't have been more proud of their accomplishments. Their accomplishments have not only inspired me to do better but have helped formed my aspirations in life. I want to become a cardiologist. I want to be able to take care of my parents when they get old. I want to see them in their dream house in Africa. In the next four years, I want to be the person they expect me to be. I want to be and do all of these things because of them. 

In conclusion, my name is different, I get it. It may take you hours to say it, but eventually, you'll get it, sooner or later. I can honestly say that I love being African. It gives me the edge to do more and become more. I don't want to look back, I want to keep going forward.  I am a hard worker and an individual that constantly wants to learn and improve I am not saying that I am perfect, but this is my life and this is what I'll bring to your football team.