LEADing the Way: LEAD Alumni Share Their Journeys to College in the U.S.
“The person I am right now, the person I'm thinking about becoming, the opportunities I have, the ones I’ve had before, they’re all because of LEAD and the mentors I’ve had. I showed the academy what I was capable of, and in return, they believed in me.”
At the beginning of the school year, our Program Assistant, Daniela interviewed two of our superstars from LEAD Monrovia Football Academy in Liberia — Zeta and Blessing. They have stood as examples and inspirations for LEAD students and supporters over the years. These two remarkable graduates are embarking on their collegiate journeys in the United States.
This is not only a tremendous feat on their part, but also a testament to the deep impact LEAD Hubs have on its students. According to the World Bank and UNESCO Institute for Statistics, only about 11% of students make it to higher education in Liberia and 22% in Morocco, making the path to college feel daunting. However, for Blessing and Zeta, their time at LEAD MFA has been a game-changer, instilling in them a growth mindset and invaluable skills that have shaped their global experiences.
In this interview, they reflect on their past aspirations, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their hopes for the future as first-generation college students. These young leaders are a source of immense pride for all of us at LEAD.
Zeta
“LEAD prepared me in every aspect; they have been guiding me through every step. I can't imagine where I would be right now without LEAD. The coaches and teachers at LEAD have helped me improve in all areas of my life from academics to sports to leadership.”
Daniela: When you were younger, who did you want to grow up to be? How does that meet or exceed your current reality?
Zeta: Growing up, I honestly wanted to become a lawyer. I don't know how come, but I had so much interest in law, in advocacy, and fighting for women’s justice. I’ve seen a lot of people who have become advocates for women’s and human rights. I would love to contribute to another industry that needs women’s voices as well. That’s why I decided to become a sports agent. It combines my love of soccer and my desire to uplift women’s voices and increase representation in a male-dominated sport.
Blessing: When I was younger, I wanted to become president. And then later on, I wanted to become a medical doctor. But I realized that it's not for me. Now, I want to become a professional soccer player. I have a lot of love for the game and it’s something I’m really good at. I also believe that going pro will provide me with the resources and status needed to help not just my family, but also my country.
Daniela: Did your younger self envision studying and playing soccer at university?
Blessing: To be honest, I never envisioned myself being here. My dream has always been to play for my country at the national level. I never thought I could go to school in America and play soccer there, mostly because of financial reasons. I’m the first one in my family to finish school and attend college. But seeing myself in this space, I realize it’s a dream come true to become a professional soccer player.
Daniela: How do you think LEAD prepared you for this moment? How have they supported you in this journey?
Zeta: LEAD prepared me in every aspect; they have been guiding me through every step. I can't imagine where I would be right now without LEAD. The coaches and teachers at LEAD have helped me improve in all areas of my life from academics to sports to leadership.
The person I am right now, the person I'm thinking about becoming, the opportunities I have, the ones I’ve had before, they’re all because of LEAD and the mentors I’ve had. I showed the academy what I was capable of, and in return, they believed in me.
Blessing: If it wasn’t for LEAD, I wouldn't be where I am today. They equipped me with the leadership skills to face the world, both academically and on the soccer field. LEAD helped me become a goal-oriented leader, even during my toughest times. I faced challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to do things I had never attempted before.
When I arrived at Connecticut College, I felt ready to take on the challenges ahead. Thanks to LEAD’s guidance, I was able to adapt, take care of myself, and embrace new experiences that I hadn’t encountered back home, ultimately allowing me to grow into the person I am today.
Blessing
“If it wasn’t for LEAD, I wouldn't be where I am today. They equipped me with the leadership skills to face the world, both academically and on the soccer field. Honestly, they provided me with everything I needed to succeed.”
Daniela: What is one piece of advice you would give to your fellow peers at the LEAD Hubs?
Zeta: Oh my gosh. One piece of advice I would give to these students is to know where you come from. Knowing where you come from can change your entire perspective on life. It can cause you to be strong and optimistic about your future or it can cause you to be lazy and not have a clear direction. Your family background plays a huge role in everything you do. So once you know where you’re coming from, you know how to create opportunities and pave a way for yourself. It also makes it easier for people to believe in your ambitions and dreams. They, too, can help you achieve your goals.
Daniela: What drives you? What motivates you?
Blessing: My family motivates me. My friends, everyone who has ever supported me, and my country continue to motivate me. My mom did everything she possibly could for me to get to this point. She made sure I was able to get a good education. She made sure I always had enough to keep going. I’ve seen the sacrifices she’s made for me and I want to make sure I can give back. There are a lot of people rooting for me and who want me to be successful, so I think about them. I think about the students at LEAD, who look up to me. Those are the people who drive me especially whenever I feel like giving up.
Daniela: Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to accomplish with your education?
Zeta: Well, that's a big one. Ten years from now, honestly, I see myself as a professional athlete, a sports agent, and probably a family woman. So I'm hoping to graduate in 2028 and then play professional soccer for a while. Then, I’m hoping to become a sports agent. I hope to give back to LEAD MFA. I want to work within the LEAD space, and mentor students similar to me, who have so much potential that with the right guidance, they can do anything.
Blessing: I see myself becoming a professional soccer player and giving back to my country. I want to give back to LEAD and other organizations that help students pursue their dreams. I can see myself providing scholarships to students so they can go out and continue to make a difference for themselves and for Liberia.
As Blessing and Zeta step into this exciting new chapter of their lives, their stories serve as an inspiring reminder of the potential that every student has within them. Their journeys illustrate how a growth mindset and support from mentors and communities can break barriers and open doors to new opportunities. Both graduates express a deep commitment to giving back and being role models and advocates for future generations, recognizing the importance of uplifting others as they chart their own path to success. Blessing and Zeta embody the spirit of LEAD and prove that dreams can indeed become reality with hard work, determination, and the right support. We cannot wait to see them thrive and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways!
This interview was conducted by Daniela Bolanos, LEAD Edu’s Program Assistant