My Parents Heritage

Land of my parents’ heritage, Nigeria is where my story begins. Where my parents first met is in Abuja, Nigeria. The name of my parents tribe is Igbo. We are the third largest ethnic group in all of Nigeria. Called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my father set plans to travel to the United States. This calling was the only reason I was born in the United States. From Nigeria my parents traveled to Switzerland, then from Switzerland to the United States. When my parents first arrived in the United States they lived in San Diego, California, along the way my siblings were born: one brother and sister. Vague memories from California my mother has told me. Having to take care of my brother and being pregnant with my sister while my father was looking for any type of work. Eventually, our family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, so my father could attend Oral Roberts University. This is where I was born.

There were moments where we wouldn’t have much to eat. I can recall coming home starving after a long day of learning after school and be presented with nothing but cheese and bread. We usually receive our food from non-profit organizations and our clothes from thrift stores. While growing up, there were times where we wouldn’t have electricity or water in the house. Moreover, it wasn’t until a year ago we were able to afford gas for hot water and heat in the house. The discomfort of taking cold showers in the winter time is what I dreaded. I would motivate myself to take showers. In middle school and high school, I was constantly bullied due to the brand of my clothes. The fear of presenting myself to others developed due to this