People are close here in Tamina. When I was younger, people would come from all over the place just to be together, even people you’d swear you’ve never met before in your life. It doesn’t matter if you’re related or not, you’re still thought of as family. That kind of relationship is really important for the kids in Tamina.

When I was growing up, basketball became real important to me. I used to go to the Tamina Community Park to shoot baskets. First it was because I was kind of lonely for my dad ‘cause he wasn’t always around. He was busy working and trying to make money for the family, but then I realized basketball was something I really wanted to do. I loved being on the court. I practiced and practiced, and now I’m a starter on the JV team. It keeps me focused and gives me something to work for. Basketball brought my family together, too. My family has never missed any of my games, and my dad even helped coach my teams when I played in leagues before high school.

I dream about going to college at Georgetown or Syracuse Universities so I can play basketball there. I want to give my kids the things I didn’t have, just like my dad has worked hard to give our family what we need.