INFLUENCE TO LAST A LIFETIME
Abdi’s Y journey began on the basketball court, but his heart led him to the track. Born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, Abdi arrived in Boise with his mother in 2010. He was a newcomer to our community with few resources and no education. Bit by bit, Abdi built a life in Boise, entering school and making friends. He didn’t know early on that refugees receive a free membership at the Y, so his first encounter with the Treasure Valley Family Y was being sneaked into the building by his friends to play basketball. A few years later, Abdi joined his high school’s track team, focusing on the mile and two-mile events. There he met Tim, his track coach who also coaches Team Idaho, a Y program that focuses on improving track and field performance in youth. This reconnected Abdi with the Y, this time with the aid of the Y’s Financial Assistance program.
Abdi graduated high school in Boise. He has plans for college in the Treasure Valley and currently works two jobs.
When asked how the Y has impacted his life, Abdi quickly credits numerous Y staff and volunteers:
“The Y has helped me to be humble and give back to my community. It has taught me responsibility.
I will carry the Y’s motto of being caring, honest, respectful and responsible for the rest of my life.”
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