Niger

The Reason I Came to The United States

By Dawud Yowan Ag Mahamad

Coming to the United States was the opportunity of a lifetime. Growing up in Niger, there was a lot that was expected of me. I am the oldest child of two missionaries, and I was expected to set a good example for my two younger brothers. I was expected to have good behavior, get good grades, and excel in everything. I also had to step in and help my mother when my father was busy with work. My parents’ expectations grew as I got older, and I was expected to be a pillar in my family. However, Niger, being one of the poorest countries in the world, did not offer me many opportunities or career choices. Fortunately, I had a chance to come to the United States to play for Triple C’s. Triple C’s is a basketball association created by a female American Coach. Her goal was to bring twelve Niger players to the United States to play basketball tournaments in front of college coaches. The hope is that the players will earn scholarships and get the chance to have an education.

At the beginning of 2019, we were planning our departure for the U.S. All the team players were ready to have their interview at the embassy to be able to travel safely and by rules. Unfortunately, right before our interviews were scheduled a soccer coach and their team that went to the U.S. to learn more about coaching disappeared the moment they touched American soil. The embassy did not want this situation to happen again, so they made the decision to deny most players on the team except me. That was sad news for the other players but a chance for me. A couple of days later, the Triple C’s coach talked to me and offered that I could come and stay with her in the United States and play on the team. I was blessed because when God closes one door, he opens a better one. The next week I was on a plane for the United States.

Once I arrived, my first impression was of the airport. Everything was organized but at the same time so confusing for me because of the language and the recent technology that we do not have in Niger. I was lucky to speak and have some notion of English to find my way and where to take my suitcase. My coach also explained what I needed to do before my departure. Once outside, it was cold. In Africa, we are used to having hot weather and do not wear a jacket or hoodie. I only had this little jacket on me, and I was so cold. I thought I was about to pass away. I was lucky my coach was there waiting for me. The first thing she asked me was “are you cold?” I said yes and she told me it is not that cold for American people. In my mind, I thought “so what does their freezing weather look like?” On the way to the house, I discovered this city called Olympia. It was a nice city, and this is where my coach and her family lived. We finally arrived at the house. I was tired, and I had been on the plane for almost two days. My body still felt like I was in the air. I was losing my balance when I was walking, which was funny. My coach told me to rest because in the next couple of days we are going to start practicing for the next tournaments and basketball events.

For my first practice, everything was completely different. The way we train in Niger and the way American players train is different. By the end of practice, I realized that where I came from, we do not play organized basketball and we are behind the curve. It was hard for me to adapt at first. I was confused and lost during practice and the language barrier also did not make it easy. I did not know what they were expecting of me as a player and teammate. After a couple of weeks of practice, there was time to play. I was invited to play in the unsigned Juco basketball showcase in Orlando. It is a big NCAA tournament. A lot of basketball coaches were there looking for players. That was my first showcase here, so I was excited and stressed at the same time. The tournament was not bad, but I had no offer.

I was a little sad and started losing confidence. One of my problems on and off the court was my communication. I was not able to talk and understand clearly what people were saying to me. When you come from a different environment with a different language and culture, it is hard to adapt yourself to the system. However, with my determination and the help of my family and coach, I did not give up and worked hard every day. Day by day I was getting better on the court and off the court. I started taking English classes online to better myself and improve my communication, listening, and writing. I spent at least two hours a day practicing my communication skills. Then the next showcase’s time arrived. I was better and gave everything I had. I built my confidence, and my skills were better than the last one.

Finally, I improved my English and communication with other people. I learned new things about American basketball and how to play my position. I was able to understand the program and what everybody expected from me. A lot of people are counting on me, especially my family. For me being here is a miracle and I know God‘s plan is always the best for us. I came here to get an education, so I can get a job to provide everything for my family, help them get through our situation, and help my brothers to get a better education. Recently, I played in a tournament and one coach saw me and contacted me with an offer. I am not sure if I will accept it yet. But I know no matter what happens in life never forget that God is there and will never let you down. Stay confident in your dreams, and work hard to realize them. My goal is to succeed in life, and this is why I came here.