Liane Fortes '23 Recruiting Profile

Nine years ago on September 27, I was first introduced to the United States of America from an island a little off the coast of Africa called Cape Verde. As I stepped out of the airplane in Boston, I knew nothing of the English language besides “yes” and “no.” I followed everyone to the luggage area, and I remember a man asking me if I was getting my luggage. I had no idea what he was saying; I just stood there and nodded my head. I thought he was speaking gibberish. I had finally gotten my luggage and followed people to the passenger pickup area. I heard a woman screaming my name. I went directly to her and gave her a huge hug. I knew this moment would be a life changer forever for me, meeting my mom for the first time. I had only known her from the pictures that my family would show me. I was raised by my godmother and my grandparents since I was two years old, my mother had migrated to the United States to live with her father and wait till she was old enough to sign a paper that would allow me to come live with her in the U.S.

I learned how to speak English within 8 months, and everyone in my family was surprised that I had learned so fast. My mom was in college at the time and I was in elementary school. I had to live with my aunt for a little while because my mom was attending school and working at the same time to provide food and pay bills. As a single mother, she did everything and anything she could to make sure I had an excellent education and future. My mom was my biggest supporter when trying new sports. She didn't let me give up at any time. When I got to high school and ran for winter and spring track she tried her best to be there and always supported me. My mom always encouraged me to do my best she said “even when life gets hard always give it your all because we are all going to go through some obstacles in life.” 

I spent the first eight years of my life without my mother. Then, I moved to a different continent and learned a new language. These experiences were difficult, but coming to America to live with my mother has given me a lot of opportunities that I couldn't imagine having in Cape Verde. I cannot picture what I would be doing with my life without my mother. She is my rock and my other half all in one. I learned that these obstacles are in our life to prove that we are stronger than we are for overcoming them, and it gave me the motivation to always do my best at everything. I will take this lesson, along with my mother’s support, with me to college and beyond.