Timothy Doe
What motivates one to immigrate to another country, especially to the United States? If you are an immigrant, you have no doubt been asked: “So, what brought you here?”
Everyone’s personal situation is different and a variety reasons come into play when someone decides to come and live in this great country. Some come to U.S. because of a dangerous political climate in their native country, others due to struggling economies, sky-high unemployment rates and lack of educational and professional opportunities in their home land. Many come to the United States in search of liberty, freedom, more economic opportunities and a better quality of life for their families.
In a sea of thousands who emigrate here every year, and the millions that came before them, this is the story of one such person. My name is Timothy Kokou Doe and I came to the United States in search of a better life in 2002. I grew up in Lomé, the capital (and largest city) of Togo, located on the West African coast. Back in Togo, I worked for nonprofit social service organizations, helping young people prevent early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. I also created an association called Soleil de Nuit (Nighttime Sun), aimed at educating the public – especially teenagers – about these important topics through poetry, short sketches and theatrical plays. After moving to the U.S. from my native Togo, I worked in a restaurant for two years. Over the course of those two years, I practiced and improved my English so that I could one day pursue a career doing the direct care work that I love.
