Success Beyond Borders: Inspiring Refugee and Immigrant Youth Through Taekwondo

This story was written by Mohammed Husam Alchaieb, an Immigration and Legal Walk-In Specialist at The Hope Center. During the day, he guides newcomers through the complexities of immigration law. But his skills go beyond providing legal guidance: Mohammed coaches Taewkondo to youth at The Hope Center’s After-School Program.

My name is Mohammed Husam Alchaieb, a member of the Syrian national Taekwondo team, a 4th-degree black belt, and a Taekwondo coach. My journey began when I was five years old, with boundless energy. After my family decided to channel my energy into sports, I joined a Taekwondo club in Jordan. At that time, I had no idea that this sport would become my life. From it, I learned persistence, commitment, and how to regain my strength to rise after every fall.

I faced many challenges. Several times, I left the arena after a tough loss. But each time I came back stronger. And eventually, I began collecting medals. In 2020, I traveled to the Arab Championship in Dubai. In 2023, I won the gold medal and secured first place at the Jordanian universities championship.

My biggest challenge came from my Syrian nationality. I tried to join the Jordanian team, but they rejected me because of my nationality. I tried to join the refugee team, only to be told that I needed to be in a camp to receive support. In Syria, they called me "the Jordanian," and in Jordan, they called me "the Syrian." I was stuck between two identities, unable to find a place to call my own.

Then I moved to the United States. There, I contacted the Olympic refugee team, but they asked me for more international medals. How could I achieve more international accomplishments when I lacked the support to make that happen? I felt like the road was blocked. But rather than give up, I decided to press on in a new way - as a coach. Now, I train refugees because I want to prove to them and the world that success is not determined by nationality, but by willpower and ambition.

Today, I train refugee and immigrant children at The Hope Center, teaching them that success does not depend on nationality or a passport. If you have a dream, you can achieve it.