One One Cocoa: Building a Community for Caribbean Student-Athletes
It feels surreal to say this, but last Friday was the official launch of One One Cocoa—a community that’s been on my heart for so long, and now it’s finally come to life. And let me tell you, this isn’t just another project for me. It’s personal—deeply personal.
When I first came to the U.S. as a student-athlete from Jamaica, I quickly realized that the transition wasn’t as smooth as I imagined. Sure, I had talent and ambition, but adjusting to a new culture, balancing academics with athletics, and simply finding my place in this new world wasn’t easy. Looking back, I now understand that I wasn’t just trying to succeed as a student or an athlete—I was trying to survive in a system that wasn’t designed with me in mind.
And that’s exactly why One One Cocoa was born.
This community is for Caribbean student-athletes navigating life in the U.S. It’s for those of you juggling school, sports, and culture shock, all while trying to stay connected to your roots. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to work twice as hard to be seen, valued, and to make their mark in spaces that weren’t built with them in mind. Right now, our focus is on supporting student-athletes, but we have bigger plans for the future. As this community grows, so too will our reach—we hope to expand to include Caribbean professionals soon, creating even more opportunities for connection and growth.
Why This Community Matters
Being a Caribbean student-athlete in the U.S. comes with its own set of challenges. We often have to adjust to a new way of doing things, navigate systems we weren’t taught, and prove ourselves in ways that others may not have to. And along the way, it can feel like there’s no blueprint to follow, no one who truly understands the unique challenges we face. I felt that deeply when I first came here.
That’s why One One Cocoa isn’t just about offering advice or sharing tips. It’s about creating a space where we support each other in all aspects of life—academically, athletically, and personally. It’s about building a community that values both our collective and individual journeys. A community where we can connect, lift each other up, and push each other to succeed.
There’s a Jamaican proverb that I’ve mentioned countless times in my blog posts: “Every mickle mek a muckle.” It means that small, consistent efforts add up over time. That’s the spirit of One One Cocoa. Every connection, every conversation, every bit of support—it all adds up to something greater. Together, we’re building something powerful, something that reflects the strength and resilience of our culture.
Looking Forward
While One One Cocoa is focused on Caribbean student-athletes for now, this is just the beginning. As I mentioned, as the community grows, the hope is to expand it to include Caribbean professionals who, like many of us, faced (or are still facing) the unique challenges of navigating life and careers in the U.S.
This launch represents more than just a website or a platform—it’s the beginning of a movement. It’s about making sure no one feels like they’re going through this journey alone.
And remember, “wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.”
~ Meisha
