AROUND THE WORLD

GBCC...It's a Community
By Diana Varga
Diversity Programming Coordinator
 

Mussah Jammeh was born in the tiny West African nation of The Gambia, population 1,700,00. His village consisted of about 500 people, all considered to be part of his extended family. His village did not have many resources, and in order for him to be educated it was necessary for him to leave the small village and live in the nearby town. When he was a child, a group of volunteers from the Peace Corps came to Mussah's village. Because Mussah's father was the head of the village, it was his responsibility to provide a bed for the new guests. One of the volunteers was named Nancy, and she would become an integral part of Mussah's educational future.

Nancy helped Mussah obtain his education, first in the nearby town, then the city. He lost touch with her for a few years, and during that time his uncle sent him to New York City to live with a cousin and to go to college. When he arrived in NYC, he realized he could not afford college and so began working. New York was completely different than Mussah's small village, and he began to miss the community of his Gambian friends and relatives.

During this time, Nancy discovered that Mussah was in New York and eventually got in touch with him. She invited him to come stay with her and her husband, a UNH professor. Although Mussah's cousin warned him that New Hampshire was much different than New York, and that not many African's lived there, Mussah decided to go.

Mussah immediately discovered that New Hampshire was much more similar to Gambia; it was not crowded like New York and there were lots of trees. He felt much more at home and decided to stay. Nancy suggested he check out the local community college and start taking some courses toward a degree, so he came with her to what was then NH Community Technical College at Stratham. To hear Mussah discussing his journey to New Hampshire, click on the video.

Today, Mussah is an officer in the International Club and a member of the student senate. He is a Liberal Arts major hoping to become a nurse one day. Why does he like coming to GBCC? "It's a community, just like where I am from."