 America , as we know it is the land of opportunity if you know how the systems work. For many of us who are immigrants of African descent, we came to America to seek greener pastures. This makes it imperative for us to succeed in any way possible so that one day, when we decided to return to the motherland, we can say that it was indeed worth taking the risk of selling our priced possessions or belongings just to come this great land.
Ironically, the drive to succeed is also the reason why most Africans living in the USA fail. Many of us who are employed or self employed, after making few dollars, forget about educating ourselves. We consider going to school a waste of time. Why go to school if I can work and make the same money, many of us ask.
Very few pursue higher learning. Most of us learn in secrecy. Some work night as security guards or home health aide doing menial jobs just to go school during the day with the hope of finding a better job after completing our studies. However, many of us simply don't care about educating ourselves or seeking higher learning. The story of William Barnes is worth mentioning as an encouragement to Africans in this Diaspora.
I remember William Barnes when he first came to America about 7 years ago. He had to endure the humility of living in his cousin's living room for almost a year until he could get on his feet. It wasn't out of cruelty but such was the time and such was the condition as William had no choice. William joggled between two jobs just to pay the rent and bills. At the same time, he was helping his family back home in Liberia .
When he told me he wanted to pursue his Masters degree 2 years ago, I brushed him off because he had the reputation of starting something great but never completing. I was very proud when I got his graduation invitation from the Point Park University in Pittsburgh to attend his commencement ceremony. At least, I know that his frequent irritating calls to my house at night to check the internet for materials for his assignments did not go in vain.
Way to go Barnes and I hope all the best wishes.
By Base
(EducateLiberia.org)
July 28th, 2007 |
