My name is Pedro Ovono, and I came to the United States with a dream — to pursue my education and make something extraordinary out of a humble beginning.

I was born and raised in Equatorial Guinea, in a large, traditional family of 24 children and four mothers. From an early age, I understood that education was my only path to change the story of my life. Through hard work and faith, I earned a partial academic scholarship to Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, where I began my studies with passion and gratitude.

During my time there, I worked tirelessly — not just in the classroom, but also in the community. I joined Sweat FC and later Soccer Legion, where I found a second family among coaches, players, and the many wonderful New York families who opened their hearts to me. Those experiences taught me teamwork, kindness, and resilience.

But life took a painful turn. During my junior year, my beloved mother, Denise, passed away unexpectedly after a long and devastating battle with Parkinson’s disease and septic shock. Her loss tore my family apart. Old family conflicts resurfaced, and in the chaos that followed, my father decided to stop supporting my education.

I was heartbroken but refused to give up. I worked every job I could find, balancing studies and survival to pay down my tuition debt little by little. Out of nearly $8,000 owed, I’ve managed to bring it down to just $1,400 — the only thing standing between me and receiving my official diploma after successfully completing my bachelor’s degree.

Unfortunately, New York has become increasingly difficult for me. Despite my best efforts to stay on my feet, financial and personal hardships — including an unsafe living situation — have made it clear that I need to return home to rebuild my life and start a new chapter with dignity and peace.

The funds raised here will go toward:

• $1,400 to clear my remaining tuition balance and release my diploma from Saint Francis College.

• $2,600 for my plane ticket and basic travel expenses back to Equatorial Guinea.

Every single contribution — no matter how small — will help me close this painful but meaningful chapter and begin again surrounded by family.

To those who have known me through Soccer Legion, Saint Francis, or the communities I’ve been part of in New York: thank you for your kindness, your mentorship, and your friendship over these years. Your support now would mean more to me than I can express in words.

Even in difficult times, I still believe in hope, in people’s compassion, and in second chances.

Thank you for helping me find my way home. ❤️

— Pedro Ovono