Mohamed Kamara survived war in Sierra Leone
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Mohamed Kamara was eight years old when a civil war in Sierra Leone was tearing the country apart. The now 18-year-old was recently honored by the New York Yankees as an individual who has triumphed over adversity, Bloomberg reports.
Kamara now lives in the Bronx with his aunt and uncle, and has grown from a quiet, shy boy to a confident young man.
When he first came to the U.S., he spoke very little English and had not had any formal schooling. He recently graduated high school and will be attending college this fall, where he will study international business.
His story of triumph led to the New York Yankees honoring him recently as a part of their HOPE Week initiative, which recognizes people who embody the word hope.
"In my dreams it was never like this," he told the news source. "My dream was just to go to school. I never dreamed of a day like this and to be down here on the field with all these great players."
Not only did he meet several Yankees players, he also met New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, received a tour of the United Nations and attended the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.
Those who experience war firsthand endure many hardships, and may have trouble transitioning to a normal life after they have experienced so much.
The United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is an important resource for military service members and civilians.
The VA also focuses on suicide prevention and counseling for individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD. Through the National Center for PTSD, veterans and civilians may receive help to cope with trauma they may have experienced. Symptoms of PTSD may include depression, anxiety and having emotional responses to startling circumstances.
Kamara now lives in the Bronx with his aunt and uncle, and has grown from a quiet, shy boy to a confident young man.
When he first came to the U.S., he spoke very little English and had not had any formal schooling. He recently graduated high school and will be attending college this fall, where he will study international business.
His story of triumph led to the New York Yankees honoring him recently as a part of their HOPE Week initiative, which recognizes people who embody the word hope.
"In my dreams it was never like this," he told the news source. "My dream was just to go to school. I never dreamed of a day like this and to be down here on the field with all these great players."
Not only did he meet several Yankees players, he also met New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, received a tour of the United Nations and attended the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.
Those who experience war firsthand endure many hardships, and may have trouble transitioning to a normal life after they have experienced so much.
The United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is an important resource for military service members and civilians.
The VA also focuses on suicide prevention and counseling for individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD. Through the National Center for PTSD, veterans and civilians may receive help to cope with trauma they may have experienced. Symptoms of PTSD may include depression, anxiety and having emotional responses to startling circumstances.
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