The Official Site of Augsburg University Athletics

Parents: Sarah Kannare and Mamie Nyanswah
Major: Biology
Minor: Religion

High School: Vice President in Pan African and Student Council... Mentor at Robbinsdale Middle School

Auggie Athlete FAQs
Career Goal: It is also partly because of my grandmother that I have chosen the career path of a cardiologist. Her husband, my beloved grandfather, died from a heart-related disease. Because of the lack of education and medical proficiency in Liberia, he wasn’t able to receive the medical attention that he needed. I hope to be able to provide that to society, and more specifically to my community. Because of the lack of sufficient medical knowledge in Liberia, many Liberians are not accustomed to seeking medical attention, or will rely on traditional remedies for serious issues. I hope that as a cardiologist I will be able to reach out and get through to them in a way that a regular doctor would not be able to. 
Why did I choose to attend Augsburg? As a person, I am very goal-oriented. I set goals for myself in the form of stepping stones in order to reach a greater purpose. Currently, I strive to achieve academic excellence. This is largely due to the influence of my family and friends. As a Liberian woman, I have been surrounded by struggle for most of my life. Liberia is a war-torn third world country and many of the people that immigrate from there live a life of hardships. Seeing the struggles that my family endured due to lack of access to education has incited a burning passion within me to step higher and stronger, and to set goals that will elevate me to a higher purpose. Liberians as a people have always possessed a unique drive and determination, and that drive is reflected in my family, particularly in my grandmother. I would look at my mother and see the aches and pains in her body but never in her face or words. It is the perseverance and determination that I take my inspiration from. Although she was illiterate, although she was uneducated, she will always be one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I will never view her or anyone else in my family as less than, because I know that they are worth more than the value that society gives them.
Athletic Goal at Augsburg: Shh, Its a secret but however the hint is to be a better sportsman then I ever was in high school. 
Biggest Thrill in Athletics: The feeling of it! Athletic gives me a power that I sometimes don't feel like I have anymore. With the sweat dripping off my head, it makes me feel accomplished. 
What differentiates you from teammates or other students? Many Liberian youths do not seek out higher education because it isn’t something that we are generally taught to strive for. We are taught that hard work is key, and that your attitude and work ethic will open doors for you that money will not. While that may be true, many Liberian youths are left stranded and tied to low-income jobs following high school, with the chance of a better life shrinking as time passes and they gradually lose their academic mindset. I plan to break that cycle, and I encourage youth in my community to do the same. I strive to inspire them by showing them that they can the same way I did. I also inspired to be a role model to my younger siblings who are looking up to me. Growing up in a community where our elders are not only our mother figure but our guidance, higher education becomes the systematic way of having a better life.   Breaking the cycle comes from the dreams and aspirations I have expressed. I want to feed the youth in Liberia the truth of what education can do for you if put into use; often, at young ages, we are given off to pursue a life mature and complex. That ends now. I want to be the opportunity for these young girls and boys, and most importantly I want to be the opportunity for my brother and sister.   
What is a little known fact about yourself? I love to laugh and joke around. 
Any interesting, non-athletic hobbies, talents or unusual facts about yourself? I love to paint, sing and shop online. Stores are fun but the excitement of reading someone's review to predict if this item is worth it or not keeps me adding more items in my cart. I am also a big YouTuber.
What are you most thankful for? I am most thankful for my family and my dedication in wanting to grow. I think without these two factors I would be lost.