USC Aiken student uses past adversity as learning experience

Nearly three years of silence between a mother and child could severely damage a child's emotions. If you ask USC Aiken junior, Isaiah Cohn, three years of silence has made him a better person and provided him with a goal for the future.

A simple folded piece of paper in Cohn's wallet reminds him of what he has been through and how he became the person he is today. The paper, from the juvenile court of Henry county Georgia tells a story of abuse and neglect. This very mistreatment is what has spurred Cohn's desire to become either an English teacher or lawyer.

Cohn was born in Los Angeles. His father's Jewish heritage led Cohn and his family to move to Israel when he was seven years old. Cohn said that his time in Israel instilled him with a lot of morals.

"All of the conflict in Israel makes you appreciate peace much more when you find it," Cohn said.

Cohn turned to sports to avoid the violence in Israel. He earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Doe at the age of 12. Cohn was even a member of the 2002 Israel Junior Olympic team. 

Peace is something that Cohn struggled to find at home once his parents separated and he returned to the United States. Cohn endured verbal and physical abuse at the hands of his mother. He again turned to sports as a way to cope. Cohn got involved with soccer his junior year in high school, which eventually landed him at USCA. The abuse however resulted in Cohn taking legal action and becoming an emancipated minor at the age of 17.

To this very day Cohn remembers the last time he talked to his mom on Dec. 17, 2007. His mom now refuses to speak to him. Cohn's siblings are still in the custody of his mother, so he is unable to have any contact with them. The only family members that Cohn communicates with are his grandparents and his older sister who also left home because of abuse.

"It's difficult at times but I have a good support system of coaches, friends and God, which helps me through," said Cohn

Cohn says that his tough past plays a big role in the way he is today. He values friendships and bonds with people. 

Cohn "always has a good perspective on things in life," said Cohn's USCA teammate, Fernando Gamez.

For Cohn the ordeal has also created a deep interest in helping others. Cohn wants to either go to law school or become an English teacher once he graduates.

"My teachers knew about my home situation and showered me with support in high school and my lawyer handled my case free of charge. I want to be able to give back to people the way they did for me," Cohn said.  Cohn also has hopes to return to Israel as part of his teaching career. Cohn said,  "I want to go back to Israel because it feels like home."

As for Cohn's mother, he said that he has forgiven her and wishes that everything could be reconciled one day. "I am ready and willing to listen," said Cohn.