Immigrating

"My name is Aboutalif Abdoulaye, a 21-year-old individual from Chad. In 2014, my family and I made the decision to immigrate from Chad to Phoenix, Arizona. This move to a new country was a major culture shock for us, as we had very little knowledge about this unfamiliar land. To compound matters, we faced the hurdle of not being able to communicate effectively in English and having no acquaintances or connections in our new surroundings. Nevertheless, despite the language barrier that existed between us, fate brought Coach Rachel into our lives. Regardless of our inability to fully interact due to the language constraint, Coach Rachel didn't let that deter her from extending her assistance to us. Her support has been unwavering throughout the years, and she continues to be there for us even to this day.

Encounter 

Encounter between Coach Rachel and myself. It all began on a typical day when my siblings and I were enjoying our time at the park within our apartment complex. Many other children, who, like us, had recently immigrated to the United States and were experiencing similar challenges, were also present. In a rather serendipitous turn of events, Coach Rachel arrived in a white bus. As she stepped out of the vehicle, she made an attempt to communicate with us. However, we were unsure of what she was trying to relay, so we gazed at her with perplexed expressions, silently conveying the question, "Who is this lady and what is she talking about?" Recognizing our confusion, Coach Rachel quickly retreated into her bus, emerging moments later clutching a soccer ball and wearing a jersey. At this point, everything suddenly became clear to us. Without hesitation, we sought permission from our parents and eagerly boarded her bus. Due to the sheer number of us present, Coach Rachel had to make multiple trips to the park to accommodate everyone. Approximately 100 kids, including myself, had the opportunity to embark on this exciting new journey alongside Coach Rachel.

History 

After our initial practice session located at Little Canyon Park, right behind GCU, we excitedly returned home, carrying our brand-new soccer shoes, jerseys, and jackets. Each one of us was assigned a team and a dedicated coach, and I was fortunate enough to have Fernando as my mentor. Upon reaching home, the expression on our faces conveyed the sheer joy and happiness we felt to our parents and that was less thing our parents had to worry about our happiness and, eagerly anticipating the upcoming day when we could step onto the field and engage in spirited matches with our respective teams. However, one concern weighed on our minds: the financial burden this endeavor might impose on our families. It was at this juncture that our coach, employing scientific terminology, eased our worries by reassuring us that participation in the program was free. The relief and amazement etched on my face were truly indescribable. From that point onwards, our schedule gradually shifted from mere

practice sessions to competitive games. The transition was remarkable. Indeed, our journey was characterized by steady growth and development.

On a Saturday, as the hours passed, my friends and I were heading home after a thrilling soccer game. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and celebration, as we jokingly reminisced about past encounters. One of the players remarked on how, just a few months ago, we struggled to communicate with each other, but now, we were able to engage in meaningful conversations and truly understand one another. Our camaraderie was so strong that even made jokes about our coach, Coach Reached, trying her best to convey messages that we couldn't comprehend, which made us burst into laughter. The bond we shared was evident in the various activities we engaged in together, ranging from community service projects like feeding the homeless and organizing car washes, to lending a helping hand to those who had lost a loved one, to assist them in their financial endeavors. We had an incredible amount of fun while simultaneously making a positive impact on the lives of others.

My Life Now 

During my final year of high school, I began contemplating my future path and pondering what I wanted to do with my life. It was at that point that I came to a profound realization about the immense gratitude I felt towards this country and its people. Acknowledging all that they had done for me, I made the decision on January 31, 2021, to enlist in the United States Army, to give back and protect the citizens of this great nation. Taking the leap, after I officially enlisted in Phoenix, Arizona on February 8, 2021. My journey began with a 15-month training program split between Fort Jackson in South Carolina and Fort Lee in Virginia. It was here that I honed my skills and acquired the necessary knowledge to serve my country efficiently. Successfully completing my training, I was faced with another challenge: the opportunity to attend Airborne School situated at Fort Benning in Georgia. Despite the demanding nature of this institution, I embraced the challenge and emerged triumphant. As my training came to an end, I received my assignment to Jber in Alaska, where I became an integral part of the 11th Airborne Division as an Arctic warrior. This journey has not been an easy one, but my determination and perseverance have driven me to embrace every obstacle and succeed in my mission to serve and protect.

Gratitude

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Coach Rachel. Words cannot adequately capture how thankful I am for everything you have done for me. Your unwavering support and guidance have been invaluable in my journey through life. Without your presence and direction, I honestly do not know if I would have come this far. Your constant presence and care have extended not only to me but also to my family, for which we are eternally grateful. Thank you for consistently checking up on me, making sure I am okay, and offering your unwavering support. I am truly blessed to have you in my life."

"I've spent most of my life working with families and children, both as a United States Marine Corps commissioned officer for 29 years, as a municipal chief of police for 15 years and as a Boy Scout youth and adult leader for over 50 years, and I cannot think of anyone who would be better at serving and working with families . I would be proud to work with her in any capacity, including as her subordinate, in any situation."

-John Wintersteen