Yero Sy’s journey from Mauritania to Philadelphia is a powerful story of resilience and determination. Despite earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Senegal, Yero was forced to leave his successful career as an accountant and university lecturer due to political instability and limited opportunities in his home country. His decision to leave behind his family and the life he had built was not easy, but he knew that staying in Mauritania was no longer an option.
Yero’s path to the United States was fraught with risk. With just a backpack, he traveled through Turkey, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico, often walking long stretches before reaching the U.S. border in Arizona. Like many Mauritanians who took this route in 2023, people paid up to $10,000 for the journey, but the financial cost was only part of the burden. He traveled through countries where he didn’t speak the language and had no connections. After arriving in Arizona, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where he endured harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and unsanitary facilities.
After his release, Yero traveled to Philadelphia, facing more logistical challenges as he made his way across the country. Detours led him to Los Angeles before he could finally settle on the East Coast. The language barrier was the first hurdle—Yero quickly realized that without English skills, finding work would be difficult. Despite having advanced degrees and professional experience, he faced the reality of starting over in a new country. But instead of giving up, Yero enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to improve his English, knowing that mastering the language was essential for rebuilding his career.
Securing employment has also been difficult. Bureaucratic challenges have delayed the process of obtaining his academic transcripts from Mauritania, making it harder for Yero to find work in his field. Still, he remains focused on his goals. He has received his work permit and social security number, which gives him hope for better job opportunities in the future. “It’s frustrating,” Yero says, “but I’m not giving up. I’ve come too far to stop now.”
Yero’s journey reflects the resilience of many immigrants who come to the United States in search of safety and a better life. Leaving behind family, careers, and familiar surroundings is a significant sacrifice, but Yero’s determination to succeed keeps him moving forward. He is also determined to continue his education, despite the challenges in transferring his academic credentials. Playing soccer helps him manage the stress of his new life, offering a moment of normalcy amid the uncertainty.
Like many immigrants, Yero grapples with the emotional toll of being far from his family. He constantly worries about his parents and siblings in Mauritania, unsure when or if he will ever see them again. But returning to Mauritania is not an option, and Yero is committed to building a new life in America. “There are days when I feel overwhelmed,” he admits, “but I know I have to keep going.”
Yero Sy’s story is one of pressing the reset button, starting over, and pushing through adversity with grit and perseverance. His journey mirrors that of countless immigrants who, despite facing overwhelming challenges, are determined to thrive in a new country. While the road ahead is uncertain, Yero remains optimistic. He continues to pursue his education and search for work, knowing that his hard work and resilience will eventually pay off. “It’s not easy,” Yero says, “but I’m not afraid of hard work. I know I’ll get there.”
(Additional reports by Sandra Lawrence)
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