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OTHER FEATURE STORIES - Administrators encapsulate center's mission - Student's first exposure to Multicultural Center - Your abridged guide to Shoreline Clubs Student reflects on transition from Gambia to Shoreline Chris Austin Ebbtide Reporter When I phoned Bubacarr Singhateh to set up an interview I thought I must have caught him at work, apparently at some sort of factory. Hearing all sorts of clanging and banging in the background, I hoped I hadn't disturbed him in the midst of some sort of dangerous operation. There was no reason to worry, it turned out; he was spending this Friday night at the driving range. Since he moved to the United States to study computers, golf has become as big a part of his life as school. I recently met with Singhateh to discuss the transition from West Africa to America, as he pursues both interests while attending SCC. Bubacarr Singhateh comes to SCC from the West African nation of The Gambia. One of the top students in his country when he graduated from high school in 1997, he had won a scholarship to study in Sierra Leone. He decided against pursuing that path, as that country was engaged in a brutal civil war at the time. This state of affairs brought him to the United States, a country he had visited with his mom, who owns an import/export business which brings her to Barbados and New York City on a regular basis. Moving in with cousins in New York, he began his college career at Bronx Community College, but soon moved to Seattle with a cousin who wanted a change. Moving into a house on 175th, he enrolled at SCC because it was the closest school. These photos of Singhateh are part of the "Faces of our community" exihibit currently displayed in the administration building. Singhateh is studying computers, a subject he was already familiar with, having worked for Gambia Telecommunications Company while in high school. He is currently employed by SCC, tutoring students in the computer lab. He is preparing to transfer to a four-year degree program in order to pursue a degree in management information systems. This degree appeals to him as it requires its practitioners to be versatile in both business and computers. He wants to bring his computer skills to a business environment as it provides an opportunity to work with people. He hopes to transfer to either Stanford or University of Arizona, where, in addition to his desired degree program, they have good golf programs as well. (Tiger Woods, an inspiration to Singhateh, graduated from Stanford.) It's hard to talk to Singhateh for long without the subject of golf arising. He was watching golf on television in New York when he proclaimed to his cousin, "I can do this." He has been avidly pursuing the game ever since. Here in Seattle, he plays in tournaments and works with local golf clubs, both taking and teaching lessons. His interest in working with people is evident in this sphere of his life as well. He tutors local, underprivileged kids in golf and is currently founding a golf club at SCC this quarter. I asked Singhateh to reflect on the biggest challenges and surprises he has faced in adjusting to life in the United States. Race, he says, was never an issue before coming to the United States. In The Gambia, a former British colony, there was no racial tension between the indigenous population and British expatriates. He began to see that things were not going to be the same while in New York, where, he says, people are far more segregated than in Seattle-and far more likely to be overtly racist. This particularly hit home when he was turned down for a job a friend had warned him against applying for, he sensed, because he was African. He learned to be careful when dealing with people in New York where, unlike Seattle, he says, "people are not afraid to show their feelings." I ask how his experiences in Seattle compare. Though Seattleites are far more polite, he says, people here are not as real. "They act more friendly, but inside they are not. In New York people do not smile if they are not happy," he said. He tells of an experience which especially demonstrated to him the suspicion of outsiders which can lurk just beneath Seattle's seemingly calm waters. Shopping at an upscale department store, he was continually followed and watched by a store employee. When confronted, the employee admitted that his manager had found him suspicious and ordered that he be followed. His experience with racial tension in his new home has often made him feel as if he does not fit in. "People look at you as suspect," he said. Singhateh hopes to get his masters degree before turning 30. I ask what he sees himself doing afterwards. Again, his interest in working with people comes up. "I want to contribute to the development of the world's less privileged, including in the U.S." Asking for details, I should not have been surprised to that this involved golf. He is working on a program for "those not fortunate enough to play golf." Upon my pointing out that this is not a typical development project, he agrees, but continues, "Right now, golf is only available to the privileged. The Gambia needs more courses, more access (for everyone), less costs." He believes all people who are interested in the game deserve a chance to play. © 2002 Shoreline Community College™