To Kenyan Students Headed to the U.S.

There have been several humorous and very realistic posts on what Kenyan (or Tanzanian, Ugandan) students can expect when they leave home for the West. Y'all will get more advice than you ask for. I won't attempt to be a wise guru who's figured it all out 'cause I haven't, I just want to share a few things based on real life experiences (mine and others').

1) Welcome to the land of work. We're not just talking the 9-5, with a break for tea and lunch. That may happen or not. It can be any hour of the day or night, weekend, weekday, or holiday, during extreme weather but it doesn't matter because work goes on. A lot of human labor goes into making this huge economy churn and you, too, will become a part of it. Work can do wonders for you: obviously an income, nurture skills and talents, acquire knowledge, various benefits, a professional network, friends, and life experience. Dealing with huge responsibility will come with rewards (not always monetary). But everything comes at a price. You will find that work will conflict with school, personal life, health, religion, or personal values. You'll have to figure out what you're willing to do or put up with and for how long. If you get stuck somewhere, hopefully it's temporary. Everyone has to start somewhere. Focus on the bigger goal and where you're heading. Even though it may be a minimum wage, 'unskilled' job, you will learn skills that you'll apply to your future career. Do your thing, and do it well. By the way, be careful about asking people where they work unless they volunteer the information.

2) You can do things your way, and get off the beaten path if you wish. Risky? Perhaps. You'll never know unless you try it. Many people can have the same goal, but there are different ways to get there. Choose what works for you in your own unique situation and don't take any bullshit from negative people who try to discourage you. It's your life after all.

3) It's a dangerous world. Some may already have survived traumatic experiences at home. Others have led a protected life. Everyone quickly realizes that the streets aren't paved with gold. On the contrary, some of them are filled with the poverty, desperation, and violence that characterizes the West's dominant view of the developing world. Often, you turn on the tv and listen to the horrific crimes that happen to some innocent child, woman, or man. Some days, it hits really close and you question your safety and well being. You hear the gunshots. Then you read the news report on the homicide and stare at the flashing lights and bright yellow police tape. And you may even think, "hell, that could have been me." Because, it could be. This scary thought makes one reexamine priorities and focus on survival.

4) Although there are many grim details and stresses in life, it is essential to have a heart and retain some faith in humanity. Because when you're down and almost out, the least likely person could step up and do something for you even though they don't owe you a damn thing. And in turn, you will get the chance to do something for somebody. It may seem insignificant, but you may never know how deeply you impact a life.