With the help of the Manresa Project and Intercultural Programs, "Real People, Real Stories" presented the third speaker in its new luncheon series that focused on vocational calling.,”
The founder of the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange, Awista Ayub, came to the university Wednesday to inspire the Marquette community to make a difference in the world through sports.
Born in Afghanistan in 1979, Ayub and her family moved to Connecticut when she was 2. She said she always had the desire to go back to Afghanistan, but couldn't because of the constant chaos and civil war. As a child, she had to find sports on her own and played tennis in middle school; however, Ayub knew she wanted to do more.
While attending the University of Rochester in New York, she tried out for crew and ice hockey without knowing how to swim or skate. It was through her hard work and determination that she learned how to swim in one week and later founded the women's ice hockey team for her university.
By the time she graduated in 2002, Ayub had not only received her bachelor's degree, but she was on her way to fulfilling her true calling.
At age 22, she quit her job in New York to begin fundraising for the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange, a nonprofit organization that created the first international girls' soccer team from Kabul, Afghanistan.
In June 2004, the organization sponsored eight young female leaders and brought them to the United States to learn how to play soccer in the International Children's Games. Since then, the young leaders have returned to Afghanistan and are now teaching others how to play soccer.
"It was a challenge to be a young adult and take such a risk, but sometimes you have to take risks to find yourself," Ayub said. "Sometimes it takes time, but when you pursue your dreams you must be patient. The fruits of your labor will grow."
Two years later, there are 15 independent women's teams in Afghanistan. Her vision has come to life, with soccer giving these girls hope, she said.
In July, two Afghan female soccer players sponsored by AYSE received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs.
"It's so inspiring to hear how her program developed," said Katherine Delemont, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences. "Right out of college, she started a nonprofit organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of others."
Mary Ferwerda, assistant director for student programs at the Manresa Project, agreed.
"Awista is a great example of using one's talents to serve others," she said. "As a result, she is able to further move others because of her inspirational story."
Ayub is not done working, though. She said she hoped to have 15 soccer teams at American universities sponsor the 15 Afghan women's teams.
"I'd love for Marquette to be one of them," she said.
Ayub's speech was sponsored by the Manresa Project and Intercultural Programs. She was the third speaker in the new "Real People, Real Stories" luncheon series that focuses on vocational calling.
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