By Gashi
Because I love education, my dream came true when I was told I could continue with college here in the United States. I really felt very happy. Education is the key to life, and has no end. I enjoy sitting in class and listening to other people’s points of view.
When I was growing up in western Tanzania, I had to work hard to find schools that were good for me. Sometimes I had to help my father with his cows instead of going to school, and I would beg him for school fees. Sometimes he said yes, sometimes he said no. I was 16 years old when I finally finished primary school! So, you see why I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my studies. Always in my soul, I wanted to go back to school if I had the opportunity.
“I believe programs that help immigrants get an education are good, because getting a college education can lead to better jobs, and these immigrant students will help Maine’s economy when they join the workforce and fill critical positions.”
— Gashi
I am so grateful and proud that I have found a way to continue my studies at Southern Maine Community College. It was not easy to make it happen, but when the time was right, my dreams came true. Often it is not easy for immigrants to find opportunities, but when it happens you feel lucky. I am currently taking English language classes. These will help me to be ready for next year, when I will take more difficult classes. My hope at this time is to study hospitality, but I will have the opportunity to choose what I want to study during the two years I am in college.
At the moment, I go to college in-person, one afternoon a week, and online once a week. These classes are not easy for me because I have to work and go to school at the same time, and I have a lot of homework. I find it hard to find time to relax. But even so, I’m very happy to continue my studies. I believe my education here in Maine will help me to make more dreams come true. I know I need more skills to be more productive here in the U.S.
I would like to persuade my fellow immigrants who are here in Maine to try to find scholarships in order to go to school and develop themselves. I believe education will serve as a catalyst for change in their own lives and in the lives of their whole families as well. I believe programs that help immigrants get an education are good, because getting a college education can lead to better jobs, and these immigrant students will help Maine’s economy when they join the workforce and fill critical positions. I feel happy to be here in Maine because in my experience the people of Maine are generous, and kind to all people.
