How it all Began-2
922 Words
The four-year undergraduate degree program completed, Auntie Joanne, Imma’s closest wealthy connection and benefactor did him another great favour. She sent her car to take him home – in style.
On the narrow dirt road passing through farms with chirping birds announcing his arrival, Imma retreated into the mental journey of his university sojourn. The admission that he took up by the skin of his teeth; the outside help, the family sacrifice, the vacation jobs that paid for it all. Barely. Recalling being called a ‘triangular’ student, he smiled. Tethering himself to a routine of studying, eating and sleeping, he had given his all in pursuit of a first-class degree. In his tropical African country of Nigeria, that degree was a passport to immediate employment in the university or in the corporate world. A passport to a dream life!
Auntie Joanne’s driver sounded the horn, announcing his arrival. A crowd gathered to welcome Imma and celebrate with his family. In this part of the world, and in that era, university education was still a major accomplishment, a success owned by the whole village.
Imma knew it was only a matter of time before the conversation happened. At dinner, his dad said, “Welcome home again, son. We are so glad you have graduated.”
“I am too, Papa. It has not been easy. I am thankful for the sacrifice and support from so many.”
“How was your result?”
Imma took another scoop of food, filled his mouth, and chewed.
“Do you want to finish eating before you chat?”
“Oh, my result? I got a second class upper; missed first class by fractions.”
“Did anybody make a first class?”
“Yes, one classmate, Chuma Azoba. Well deserved – he’s really smart and worked very hard.”
“Oh.”
Papa sat quietly with lowered eyes. An elementary school teacher, he was known for lots of words, emotion and even drama. But now, he gave away nothing. Not even the jaw tightening that Imma could see from a distance the few times his dad was upset. After what seemed like an eternity, he picked up Imma’s suitcase and left the room without looking at his son. Imma wasn’t fooled. Papa’s sadness and disappointment in his academic performance was palpable.
Imma’s grade-point average – second-best in his graduating class – wasn’t bad, but that was cold comfort. Now Imma needed to set his sights on the next challenge: seeking job opportunities to pave the way for the life he craved.
That was until a conversation with Professor Godson. His godfather had been promoted again, and was now vice chancellor at a federal university in the northeastern region of the country.
“Congratulations, young man. We all expected that you would make a first class, though.”
“I know. I’m disappointed too, but...”
“Don’t worry about it. Your result looks good enough to get you admission for graduate studies in a good university.”
“I’m not even thinking of graduate studies. Who will pay for that? All I want is to get a good job, start helping my family and, frankly, provide a good life for myself for a change.”
“You don’t have to worry about who will pay if you get a scholarship. With good GMAT or GRE scores and a strong recommendation, you should get a scholarship.”
“GMAT, GRE...what are those?”
“Graduate Management Admissions Test and Graduate Records Examination. They are aptitude tests required for graduate school admission in the United States.”
“United States?”
“Yes, my friends and colleagues are in several universities there. If you do your part, I can provide a strong recommendation to get you scholarships that will cover your tuition and living expenses. And I have no doubt that you’ll work hard to do well and get a good job there to take care of yourself and help your family.”
“School and work in the United States?”
“Yes. Like I did.”
Imma almost fell off his chair.
Lying that night on a king bed in the luxury guest room at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge after a sumptuous chef-prepared and served meal, Imma recalled Prof’s visit to him in university.
He had said, ‘...don’t let us or yourself down.’ Was he hinting at America? Auspicious!
In his sleep, the American dream took a hold of Imma.
In the one week he spent with them, Prof and family were very kind to Imma. Staying up close with them and their four kids, Imma for the first time got a feel of people that had schooled and lived in America. His wife, respectfully called ‘Madam’ by most, was persistent in getting to eat lots.
“You need to fill out your flesh a little bit. Otherwise they may not allow you into America.”
“She’s joking,” Prof said, putting Imma at ease.
Madam agreed, but added, “I notice that you didn’t respond timely to invite for meals and ended up eating after us. We like to eat together. Don’t be a stranger.”
“Pardon me; I’ll make sure to join at the next meal.”
Prof put a hand on the shoulder of his godson. “Feel at home, young man.”
What they didn’t know was how intimidating their large dining table was. The very rich menus sometimes included pancake, pasta, sandwich, coleslaw, Caesar salad topped with a thousand island dressing, yoghurt and ice cream – many totally new to Imma. He relished the aroma and sight of them, but was embarrassed that he didn’t know how they were eaten. Nor whether he would like them, or they him – by remaining in his stomach! When he ate alone, he went for the familiar. However, determined to not offend in any way these kind, highly placed people key to the fulfilment of his dreams, Imma decided to get bold ask questions and learn. My acclimatization for America has begun.
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- Writer
