Football and Apple Pie ……
Describing my deep-seated love for football is not easy—it's a passion that runs through my veins, intertwined with my very identity. Growing up in an immigrant family, football was a world that seemed otherworldly to my parents. Yet, from the moment I could kick a ball, I found myself drawn to it. My love affair with football began on the playgrounds, where I would play during recess and lunch, and continued at home, where I honed my skills. Recognizing this unexplainable pull towards the sport, my parents decided to sign me up for Friday Night Lights. Those memories of Friday nights are etched in my mind—the bright stadium lights, the electrifying energy in the air, and the camaraderie of fellow players and fans. Looking back, I realize that what I was drawn to was something quintessentially American, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience it
.
Football has been more than just a sport for me; it's been a lifeline both on and off the field. It has served as a conversation starter and a bridge to connect with others. After many years of working with refugees, I came to understand that for these children, adjusting to a new country and embracing their newfound American identity can be an uphill battle. Recently, we started coaching girls and boys in flag football at the Colina Rec Center in City Heights. I vividly recall the first time I showed them how to snap and punt the football. Giggles erupted as they tried to grasp this unfamiliar sport—it was like a funny inside joke. But as the weeks passed, something incredible happened. They began to understand the rules of the game, and the laughter turned into focused determination. It wasn't just a game anymore; they were becoming part of it.
These young refugees are not only holding onto their own cultures and traditions but also adding a slice of their new homeland. It's a beautiful fusion of identities, and it reminds me of the inclusivity and diversity that make America unique. Who knows, maybe over the holidays, we'll bring them a taste of classic American apple pie as a gesture of welcome and friendship.
