Marabeth Farmer Community Service StoriesAboubacar Casse '15
"I came to America to follow my dreams and further my education. I was born in Senegal,
West Africa, and grew up in a humble family with five siblings and my mom and dad.
I went to SEED Project, a nonprofit that helped Senegalese kids get a better education.
I then came to America as a junior at St. Andrew's School and then went on to college
in Nebraska. I then earned a basketball scholarship at Franklin Pierce University
where I graduated with a business management degree. Basketball has always been my
vehicle and has opened many doors for me as I pursue my dreams. I was part of the
Ravens Men’s Basketball Team for two years under Coach David Chadbourne.
I really enjoyed my time at Franklin Pierce. I made good friends—from students to
faculty to alumni. I am thankful for the opportunity the University gave me to be
able to follow my dreams. I am now working at Honda in Santa Maria; it's been a great
opportunity for me to work and support my family.
This holiday season, I was able to go visit my family that I have not seen in three
years. I had the opportunity to go back to my roots, see my family, my community,
and the kids. I learned a lot from it and was inspired to organize a basketball tournament
for my community.

I named the tournament "Jambaru ËLËK" which means Leaders of Tomorrow in Wolof—my Senegalese dialect. I have always wanted to give back and "pay it forward" and being able to do so after
my first year out of college was truly a blessing. I was able to talk to the kids, tell them about my journey to America, and share
with them what I learned. It was only right to host my first tournament on the court
where I learned how to shoot basketball for the first time.
Africa is all I have. Paying it forward will make my community better and inspire the next generation of
leaders in Africa. I plan to do this event every year. I want to involve as many people
as I can to create a group of positive people who commit to promote change around
the world, specifically starting in Senegal. Any school supplies, basketballs, equipment,
or funds are welcome. I am working on creating a website and organization that will
lead for sustainable development in Africa.
As a kid, I always had big dreams.My dream is to make my continent better by giving the kids in Africa opportunities
they didn't have before and show the world a new face of Africa they have never seen—an Africa that's full of hope and dreams, an Africa that has a strong leadership,
an Africa that is sustainable and full of healthy kids that will make the continent
better.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, I want to fight for those things, and I think using the education I got from Franklin Pierce, the experience I get
from working in America, and being around great mentors can make those dreams come
true with my dedication to hard work and learning. I want to start businesses and
create jobs in Africa that will strengthen the economy and create a sustainable development."
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