SAN ANGELO, Texas — We all have unique backgrounds, many of us are first or second-generation Americans. The same case is abundantly clear for Diego Almeida, a native of Brazil that came to America seven years ago to find a new life, centered around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
"I never had the opportunity to come to the U.S. [once] I got that opportunity to come, I've enjoyed it, I'm [still] here today. When I came here, all I had was $200, so I didn't have it much, you know, but it was enough for the American Dream." Almeida said.
Growing up without much and working hard from a very early age, Almeida figured that much of his life would involve the cycle that he's been accustomed to seeing throughout his time in Brazil. Yet, he realized it was time for a change, even though those around him, doubted.
"People thought I was a little crazy, You know? To just [leave and] pursue a dream," Almeida said.
With zero regrets to this point and fully embraced by the West Texas community, Diego gives us one final piece of advice before heading back to work at Seeds 13 Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
"Sometimes you want to win in life, but at the same time we want to forget what we have been through to become where we are today." Almeida added, "Don't give up, don't forget yourself."