AMOS DEBAH

My name is Amos G. Debah, and I am from Liberia. I'm from a very big family (9 children) that is not rich, but by God's grace my mother was able to provide for our basic needs. I love my mom because she is my number one fan and the reason behind my success. Playing soccer is my favorite thing to do. I started playing soccer at the age of five and am looking forward to continue to play in the future. Soccer is a sport that brings joy into my life, and I hope to become a professional soccer player one day. Apart from being a professional soccer player, I also want to be an accountant. I hope and pray that I become successful so that I can give back to Liberia by creating new educational and sports opportunities. My main focus will be on the youth because their God given talents have been buried because there are not many opportunities currently. Many thanks to NationOne Academy for their endless love and support that they have given me. I don't know where I would be without them.

"Do not be influenced by what people may say or think about you, always stand by what you want to do and live by your dreams."

LAWRENCE TAYLOR

My name is Lawrence Taylor, and I am from Liberia. I am from a poor family in Liberia. I have one younger brother. I like playing soccer for fun because it challenges me mentally and physically. My ultimate goal is to get a college diploma and become a professional soccer player. I want to pay back my country by helping young kids excel in the classroom and on the pitch.

"The best decisions aren't made in your mind but with your instinct."

HASSAN KROMAH

My name is Hamza Kromah and I am from Margibi county Liberia. I was given the opportunity by NationOne Academy to come to the United State in order to continue my education, become a better person in today’s society and fulfill my goals in life. This is a hard task to complete as a kid coming from Liberia. It’s harder than anyone can imagine. Leaving my family and friends especially is the most difficult part. It was unbearable to leave my four siblings who have been with me since I was born.

As a kid from Liberia, who has been on the other side of life, I work hard in school to make use of the opportunity I was given to gain a better education and to fulfill my dreams. During my free time, I play video games in order to keep my mind off things and socialize with my friends around me in my school community.

I always had the mindset of becoming a professional soccer player growing up as many other kids in my country with the same goal. I believe once you are willing to put the work in and live for the game, it all should go as a plan. The great Pele once said “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” This is one of my favorites quotes. It’s all how hard you work towards your goals in life. It motivates me to work harder, to want it all, and just give all I possibly can. We have to be hungry for our own success. When I become a successful person and have the ability to impact other kids from my home Liberia, I will give it all. I will share the journey that I went through and the tools I used to become successful.

MILTON JONES

My name is Milton Jones, and I am from Monrovia, Liberia. I have three older sister who lives in Liberia. I usually read my bible during my free time for fun and hang out with my friends. My goal in life is to be an engineer if i'm not a pro soccer player.

When I become a successful person in life, I will give back the opportunity that I had when I was growing up as a kid which is to gets better education and play soccer. I will give kids the opportunities and support them and their families.

My favorite quote is from Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done".

It simply describes that nothing is impossible no matter how hard it seems. As long as you stay focused, and work hard, you will achieve your goal.