From South Africa to Superhero: A Journey of Resilience and Dreams

Synopsis

Hello, My Name is Jama Aroni Many of you may think you know me based on my grades or achievements. However, my story begins in South Africa, a land I left at the age of six to come to a country entirely foreign to me, uncertain if I would ever return home. My initial years in the United States were challenging. Without knowing any English, I had to learn from scratch. While many were willing to help, I often felt a profound sense of isolation, perhaps stemming from homesickness and the stark contrast between my new environment and the one I had left behind. Fifth grade marked a turning point. I began to feel comfortable speaking English and connecting with others. That same year, I discovered basketball, a sport that has profoundly shaped me. I shared my dream of one day playing in the NBA, and despite the skeptical looks I sometimes received, I held onto the belief that anything is possible, refusing to let the opinions of others deter me. Like any young person, I had my share of youthful indiscretions and learned from my mistakes. One memorable experience was an overnight field trip to Gordon College, which offered a glimpse into college life and fueled my aspirations of playing basketball at that level. Middle school was an adventure in itself. I was a bit of a rebel, feeling older than my years. I can still hear my mother's voice reminding me to "simmer down, boy; you're not grown, you're still my baby." During this time, I forged new friendships, some with familiar faces from elementary school and others with new acquaintances. This period also marked my growing involvement in community events aimed at benefiting my school and the wider community. One significant project led to an extraordinary opportunity: traveling to India as part of the Design For Change press conference in 2015. Along with three colleagues and two chaperones, I had the chance to connect with young teens and share our experiences and struggles in helping our communities. While India is often associated with poverty and disease, which I did witness in both wealthy and impoverished areas and found deeply distressing, the vibrant festivals, full of color and decoration, felt like stepping into a Christmas wonderland. The school we visited welcomed us warmly and presented us with handmade gifts. I still cherish the large poster with my name, face, and the word "Superhero" on it. Our delayed flight unexpectedly granted us a tour of Dubai, a truly remarkable experience. Visiting the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, was awe-inspiring, even for someone with a fear of heights, which I surprisingly overcame to take in the breathtaking panoramic view. The city lights stretched out like a dazzling tapestry, and the airport buzzed with the activity of arriving and departing planes. The following day, we explored local shops with other tour groups, though the lingering effects of jet lag made it difficult to fully absorb the experience. Knowing that a return trip might be uncertain, I was determined to savor every moment.