Board Stories

Across the World Team
South America

Latoya I Staddon: South America

My mom brought me and my two siblings to America for a better life and more opportunities. Upon our arrival, we faced various challenges, including language barriers and appropriate clothing for changing weather. My mom was worried about what kind of job she would have. We often experienced teasing because of our accents and the way we spoke. Additionally, we had to adjust to the weather, as we came from a hot climate and had to get used to four different seasons.

The food traditions we were accustomed to also changed, and it was challenging to find communities with people from our country. After settling in, We missed our home and struggled to find a reliable immigration lawyer who could assist us with immigration paperwork, which took years and was quite expensive. Eventually, we adjusted to our new home, and my mom was able to secure a full-time job. We explored different culture’s food and enjoyed a variety of food flavors. I realized that America was a blessing for my family and me due to the opportunities we were given.I successfully completed college, which enables me to teach and mentor young adults effectively. My passion lies in helping them craft impressive resumes, develop confidence in their interview attire, and discover their talents and niches for the right job training. I also focus on building their self-confidence. Additionally, I work with adults facing learning disabilities, empowering them to overcome challenges. Furthermore, I actively volunteer at various shelters to make a positive impact on my community.

To provide some context before sharing my quote, I want to highlight that my village, where my entire family originates, began as a plantation named Northbrook. In 1839, 83 former slaves came together to purchase over 500 acres of land, including two of my own ancestors. This legacy of community support and commitment to positive change runs deep in my bloodline and is an integral part of my heritage. Recognizing this connection fuels my passion for making a difference. Therefore, my quote is:

“If we don’t know where we are going, it can be helpful to know where we came from.”

Understanding our past provides insight into who we will become and offers us additional strength and motivation in life.

Africa

Doreen Pratt Ebai: Africa

Coming to America was a childhood dream filled with excitement, inspired by everything I had seen on TV. I couldn’t wait to be part of that great land where everything seemed possible. At a very young age, my parents decided to send me to America to live with one of my aunts, leaving behind my younger brother, sister, cousins, and extended family.
I felt ready, excited, grateful, and full of joy. I was eager to start my journey in the land of opportunity, just like every immigrant searching for a better life. I followed all the necessary steps and continue to do so, knowing that many of us immigrants left behind significant responsibilities at home, leaving no room for failure. I am very involved in my community doing mentorship for young adults and job training. I help coach young and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Additionally, With my early childhood special education experience, I also do early intervention with children from 0 to 3 years, utilizing play therapy and behavior modification techniques. For the past decade, I have been improving children’s abilities and teaching them new skills. Achieving my degrees and certifications is a vital part of the American dream, as it provides me with essential knowledge for success and enables me to help others along the way.
The journey towards these greener pastures comes with various challenges, but I always remind myself how fortunate I am to have this opportunity to improve my life, especially compared to some of my peers back home who lack similar chances to thrive. This realization inspired my colleagues and I to support those we left behind, who do not have the means to come to this land of opportunity. With dedication and hard work, our journey is not far-fetched, especially when surrounded by good, hardworking, and committed individuals.
My quote:
“When we meet for the very first time and we don’t strike it on within the first 10 minutes, it’s likely not gonna work for us.
Africa
Africa

Yvonne Ricketts: Caribbean

Born and raised in a rural community in the beautiful island of Jamaica to a low income family, I faced many financial hardships. As I traversed the education system facing many difficulties socially and economically; even more so finding needed resources for an education. I redirected my ambition into becoming an educator so I could give back to the community, mold and guide the youth in pursuing their dreams. In addition to this, I also devoted a year of my pre-college years into becoming a National Youth Service Volunteer as I strongly believe in the words of Morgan Freeman,”How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”
After thirteen years of teaching at the Elementary/Primary level I uprooted myself, knowing that I am resilient and adaptable and ventured into the United States in pursuit of greener pastures and a chance to be reunited with my mother and younger siblings who migrated ten years before. I had goals and aspirations of furthering my studies, building networks, exploring cultures and the school system, being an anchor for my younger siblings, providing monetary funds to my ailing grandmother and providing psychological and financial support for my mother who is a single parent.
Africa
Africa

Antoinette M Hunter: Africa

I came to America searching for a better life, a quality education, and the promise of opportunity. In my homeland, finding a job after college was a struggle, a mountain I wasn’t sure I’d ever conquer. At just 17 years old, I left behind the familiar streets of my childhood and journeyed to the United States, carrying dreams as big as the world itself. My father brought my mother, my three siblings, and me here with a single goal in mind: to build a future full of possibilities that we couldn’t find back home.
Each day, I’m reminded that this journey, though challenging, is filled with hope and growth. I’m learning, adapting, and working toward a life where dreams are not only possible—they’re within reach.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

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