BASS YESSOUFOU Benin Senior St. Francis College (NY)
I’ll be honest… my dream was to play in the NBA. I think I shared that dream with thousands of kids from all over the world. I knew that the only way to make my dream come true was to come and study in America. I arrived in the United States in 2002 with much fear and apprehension. I did not speak the English language, I did not know anyone in this country and I knew very little of the American way of life. Luckily I stayed with a great host family who took me in as one of their own. They were the best thing that ever happened to me and the main reason that I’ve done so well.
After graduating from high school I attended Palm Beach Community College. Since I didn’t initially qualify to play at a NCAA Division One school I had to spend two years in Florida. After completing my two years at the junior college I received a scholarship to St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York. My dream of playing Division 1 basketball was coming true.
My first college game was played at Syracuse in front of 18,000 fans. It was an amazing experience.
I am set to graduate in 2008. I’m not sure what my future has in store for me but I know that I’ve been so lucky to come to America. I have so many friends back home that wish they could have had the opportunity that I was so lucky to get. I am so thankful.
