STR8T FROM DA HORSE’S MOUTH
.......with Marion
It has always been the “great expectation” that stars are born and not made but the reality around us attests to the contrary. In today’s society, people have further proved that stars are made and not necessarily born. Some children born with golden spoons and forks in their mouths have turned out to be a great disappointment to both their family and the society.
Most of these children turn out to be morally lacking, unruly and undisciplined whereas children of those born on the opposite ladder have worked their way to great fame and fortune and have proved that one does not need to be born rich in order to portray star qualities that is worthy of emulation.
People like Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela and Bill Gates did not come from wealthy background but they have worked their way to fame and fortune while being charitable, humane and responsible. People like this have indeed proved that it is possible for anyone with the right focus and vision to change their lot in life.
People need to start visualizing what makes them unique and work toward achieving the impossible and I believe with the right mental attitude and some prayer; the sky is not the limit but the beginning of a whole new horizon. Never envy the rich for you never know the pain they are going through. Never wish to trade places with them either because walking in their shoes for just a day might really shock you. “All that glitters”, they say, “is not gold” and I do believe that strongly.
I also believe that we, individually, control our destiny and though it may be true that circumstantial events around us might work to deter our goals or prevent us from accomplishing that which we are meant to, we are truly stronger than all those negative forces with the right mental attitude and as I said earlier, “some prayers”.
I know that Nigerians tend to believe that migrating to the western world holds the key to all our dreams but I can assure you that even though it might be a land of opportunity it definitely comes with its own “ups” and “downs”. And believe me when I tell you that the “downs” are indeed what it is called. They are times during your sojourn that you question your true mission in a foreign land. A time when you reflect on the true meaning of a lot of the things we take for granted back home and become dumb-founded at the seemingly stupidity of such a decision.
I know some of you are wondering and asking “what in the world is she talking about”, well, I am talking about loyalty, respect, moral values, cultural orientations and so much more that I could go on and on mentioning. Basic things that one expects to be present in the core values of any society, or at least, we were made to believe, are the pillar of a society and moral expectations of human beings; things that we grew up cherishing in retrospect. These are things that made sense to our childhood and our society.
This column in the coming months will further try to explain to you the differences between living and growing up in Nigeria, juxtaposed with the so much reveled life in the United States of America; at least from my first hand experience to your wandering imaginations. So do remember to pick up the next issue of this magazine and I will surely “garnish” your appetite with each edition. The truth, at least as I know it in my own world and in my own words. It is going to be juicy, blunt, sincere, riveting and I know it will appeal to your sub-conscious sense of reasoning.
Is life really what it is painted to be abroad or is it just a figment of your imagination?
Believe me when I tell you that I will tell it as it is!
Str8t from da horse’s mouth.
Till we get acquainted better, y’all stay outta trouble and “love ye one another”.
MARION AMANAMBU-UKWU
United States of America
written for Dejavu Magazine
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