In honor of Logos Consulting Group’s 22nd anniversary, Logosfolk are sharing stories about our mentors – the people who invested in our success.
Throughout this past month, my Logos team members and I have been reflecting on our mentors. As I reflected on those people who have invested in my success, one person stood out to me the most – Besmir Zuta. Besmir is an assistant coach at the Fairleigh Dickinson University’s (FDU) Men’s Soccer Team. And he is solely the reason that I returned to live in the United States nearly four years ago.
I am originally from London and first moved the U.S. for college, specifically as a collegiate soccer player. I was a young and freshly turned 18-year-old, thrown into a new place, team culture, and environment. I was forced to adapt quickly in this new country, and I found this to be a massive struggle. So much so that I didn’t want to continue to play collegiate soccer anymore. I was desperate to leave and return to London within my first year and play back there.
Knowing my struggles, my friends in the U.S. convinced me to join a summer soccer team to see if playing in a different environment would change how I felt about being in the U.S. This is where I met Besmir. At the time, he was the head coach of this summer team. And I had an enjoyable summer playing for him.
However, I was still struggling with the prospect of staying in the United States. In 2019, I made the decision to leave the U.S. and returned to London. Around the same time, Besmir was appointed to the new coaching staff at FDU. When Besmir found out that I wasn’t interested in playing collegiate soccer or being in the U.S. anymore, he called me. In fact, Besmir spent countless hours calling me – even with a five-hour time difference – to convince me to transfer to FDU and join his team.
After a lot of convincing by Besmir, I decided to give the U.S. another shot. I returned to New Jersey after the travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted and spent an enjoyable two and a half seasons with FDU Men’s Soccer team. During that time, I was able to finally find my footing here and earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The domino effect that began in 2020 through those numerous phone calls with Besmir profoundly impacted my life in ways still felt today. What made Besmir so influential in my life wasn’t just his knowledge as a coach; it was the genuine care he showed towards his players. He truly has his players’ best interests at heart. I felt this care all the way through my time under his coaching.
Because of Besmir’s care and investment in me, I am still in the U.S. I had a successful playing career in college, earned two degrees, and began my professional career with Logos in New York City more than a year ago.
I will always be grateful for the impact that Besmir has had on my life.
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