Bernard and Oscar came to Kent from Ghana. The scale of that change is difficult to imagine. Many of the differences are in basic day-to-day life. “Social life is very different here from in Ghana. Here people just talk to whoever they want and everyone is happy to talk to you. You can even talk to any teacher at any time – that’s really different!” noted Bernard.
In their first year, they integrated themselves into the Kent community in amazing ways. They have surprised themselves as much as anyone. Speaking in chapel, sharing their experience with children in a local elementary school, playing sports they'd never heard of like squash, crew, and lacrosse, or learning the piano, Bernard and Oscar are growing every day at Kent. This is a testament to their approach towards Kent, and life in general. Soccer introduced the boys to the valley, but it will not define their careers in this community.
Through their persistence and dedication, by the spring term of their 4th form years both Oscar and Bernard earned a place on the honor roll, “Reflecting their stellar commitment to hard work and their daily growth as thinkers,” said Varsity soccer coach Tim Booth. As Oscar said, “First, I knew it would be challenging, but it was hard… really hard. We improved a lot. There was a big improvement in our grades, in everything… we’ve been working hard, put more time in studying than anything. We know what we’re here to do… and that’s why it is working out.”
The boys have established themselves as fixtures in our larger Kent community. During March break, they proudly joined the Habitat for Humanity trip to help build a home for a disadvantaged Virginia family. Giving back has become an important part of Bernard and Oscar's identity at Kent. Their hard work, innate kindness and gentleness have made them beloved members of the community.
For more, see the “Outside the Lines” episode featuring Oscar on ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=ghanasoccer
