February 8, 2017

The unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Part 32: To Be a Man is Not Easy

Print More

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

Getting a leg up at work has proved challenging for Augustine.

My days were quite full. Not only with my new job and keeping my family fed, but with a challenging course schedule at Quinsigamond Community College.

Augustine Kanjia

I had loads of reading to do, piles of written homework, research and mathematics problems to grapple. It was a struggle, but I’d begun by loving school, and I felt the pinch of learning in a corner of my heart. “When you complete your education,” I thought, “you will be respected at home and abroad. In fact, you would get better pay and be on top of things. Why not just pretend as if your grandmother stands by you right now, urging you with a cane to go to school. Think how she wanted you [to become] the most educated at home.”

It seemed sometimes as if I were in a trance. Until I inevitably awoke to reality and realized I had more work to do. I needed to apply more effort. And I needed to not be distracted by what some of our Sierra Leonean friends were thinking and saying about me when they met.

I needed courage, but even Theresa had doubts. I could feel my wife saying, “Now that you are in college with these girls, I know you will fall in love with them.” My main worry was never the girls, but to achieve quickly, stop going to school and get a better job.

People worry about me more than I do for myself.

Augustine’s last chapter: Job offer sends me back to school Or scroll down to catch up from earlier in the remarkable tale

Some Sierra Leoneans, including those who had been friends and helpful in our resettlement in Worcester, were talking about me. They were together often, and they all seemed to think my varied interests, particularly education, were keeping me from properly providing for my family. In most instances my daughter, Alice, would be among them. She would not say anything to deter them but rather join in and tell them what she knows about me. She was my daughter, but having been estranged for long periods we had a complicated relationship and had drifted apart here in America.

I was too busy to worry much about what they all were saying, with school, work and taking my wife around town for her errands and to see our friends.

We soon decided to buy a Nissan Pathfinder, a vehicle we thought could be very strong and last longer than the $700 Dodge Neon we’d first bought. We got one, and it was superb. We paid for it every month, so our financial problems weren’t going anywhere. The group of gossips had made it a point to put my name on their radii each time they met for a drink or a party. But to my face they would say nothing. They were heard saying that I don’t want to work, only to sit in cars that I cannot afford and galavant while my wife goes to work. That they had never seen an unserious man like me. They felt I should leave school, stop going up and down financially. The secret was, these guys had lived longer in Worcester but had not been able to buy a car like mine and had not gone to school either.

Above all I was quite older than them. They were not supposed to compare themselves to me. I have my own life to live.

We had all joined an organization of transplanted Sierra Leoneans in Lowell. After a few meetings, there was an election of new officers. The others from Worcester did not want me to be among the leaders of our new group. I knew how they felt, but those were their feelings; they needed to own them. I was elected secretary. The president, who lived in Lowell, was initially influenced by my “friends” to keep me out of the loop. Despite my election, I was not invited to the first few meetings. I was bold to have called attention to the matter and get it resolved.

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

Augustine, back left, poses with fellow student achievers.

There were many distractions, indeed, as I was coping with new realities. Things I did not want to see, things I never wanted to do — these were the tasks I was charged with to earn money. I was employed to stay awake the whole night, which was no fun. My eyes changed with the lack of sleep. No one would understand how it felt. It was all pleasantries when I met good friends, except when we talked about my job. They were good people and knew the suffering I was going through. I was always asked how I fared at work. Since they were my friends, I would tell them and ask them for help.

Meanwhile, work was not going to be easy.

The first day after my orientation at a Seven Hills Foundation facility in Grafton came a warning letter to the whole staff. They’d forgotten to do something, but why should I be included, I asked my new boss, a young lady. She said it was normal to give warnings to the whole staff so nobody was singled out. I decided to try to just forget it — it is nothing. I did not know much about warning letters in America. In Africa they exist, but I had never received one. This warning, I soon realized, was an indicator for me to beware what was ahead of me at work.

My studies were unrelenting. I was assigned to the overnight shift, though, which was quite conducive for a “schoolboy” like me. Sleeping less was difficult; I overloaded my brain, but there was no doubt I was doing fine with my courses at QCC.

My first semester results were great after ages away from formal studies. I did three subjects as a trial. I got three straight A’s. I received a letter from the college congratulating me and putting me on the honor roll. I felt very good about myself. I braced myself for a more difficult challenge. My advisor was Mr. Joseph Adams. He was in charge of refugee students and non-traditional students. He was superb. He had gotten me a good tutor in mathematics and I began to improve. Meanwhile I became involved in the life of the college. I was busy with student senate, being a student ambassador, and any new thing that came on campus.

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

Augustine poses with fellow honorees, and their instructor Kristen, at his STAR ceremony at QCC.

My wife had started a new healthcare job, and she would have to travel to Northborough and Westborough and sometimes Cambridge. She did not know how to drive, so it was my job to drop her off and pick her up. I had a lot of pressure on me. My job, my school and my family. I was left with little to no social life. I managed to be a part of some of our meetings in Lowell.

My workplace brought a mountain of problems. Many people were being sacked for reasons we didn’t understand. I noticed my boss, the resident director, was trying to find her own way. She was also new and felt she had to prove herself. I got warning letters often and began to think she took delight in issuing them to me. I did not know how many warnings would be equal to dismissal. Some of my workmates felt I was proud, or arrogant, for showing that I was more educated. I was only a humble servant of God, I thought, even going to church on Sundays from work. That did not go down well with everyone, though some of them understood my situation and would not mind me leaving work early on Sunday mornings.

I was reprimanded for either not cleaning the bathroom or a medication error. The latter was the worst of all. My boss attributed the warnings to my concentration in my studies. She said I should never bring my computer and books to work. That was tough for me, but I knew what I had to do. She had also seen my homework that had left on the printer. I admitted to printing it, and she warned me not to touch the work computers for anything but my timesheet and signature. I was shocked and decided to look for something better.

I had applied to be a resident director there. I was sure I could get the job, but before the interview I was reminded I had several warnings and that I should be an employee in good standing before I apply. I did not give up. I will do it again when this is cleared.

I had meanwhile made a good name at school. There was nothing to do but forge ahead. I was given a scholarship for my hard work. I felt great for my achievement. Many of my professors respected me. I was chosen as a STAR [Student To Admire and Respect] with a few others. My wife still thought I was flirting with young girls. Theresa thought my being a STAR would attract many more. I told many of them how I was accused of pursuing them. No one bothered — they only avoided me!

My mentor was Josh Martin. It was only for a short time because he was very busy on campus. He directed me in many great ways to succeed. He is still there for me. That I should write today for Worcester Sun, he is the man behind it.

My full-time job, though, still hangs in the balance. I have always fallen into trouble at work. And many problems are pending. I have done my best at school, and I am doing my best to maintain this job until I can get a better one that will help my family more.

To catch up on one of the Sun’s original serials, follow these links:

Introducing the unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia

Part 1: The Decision That Saved My Life

Part 2: The Struggle for Survival in a Strange Land

Part 3: Good luck, bad luck, who knows?

Part 4: The Smoldering Bitterness of Enemies

Part 5: The Soccer Match That Changed My Life

Part 6: The Secret Visit to Freetown

Part 7: More Attention, More Friends … More Enemies

Part 8: Escape to Freetown

Part 9: More Suffering, More Tears

Part 10: Family Rejection vs. Manhood

Part 11: New Hope, More Troubles, and a Gift

Part 12: Deceived in Hard Times

Part 13: Dangerous Investigative Journalism Begins

Part 14: Family vs. Husband-to-be

Part 15: The Article That Saved My Son’s Life

Part 16: Glen’s Long Road to Health

Part 17: A Wedding Without Parents

Part 18: Another New Beginning

Part 19: Challenging Resettlement Process Begins

Part 20: Suspicion and Senegal Visits

Part 21: The Toughest Interview Brings Success

Part 22: Augustine is Apprehended

Part 23: Joy, Despair and More Threats

Part 24: Surprise News That Set Us Free

Part 25: Final Problem Lands Me in Dakar

Part 26: A Very Long One Week

Part 27: Goodbye, Gambia

Part 28: The Kanjias’ First Snow

Part 29: First Noel in Worcester

Part 30: New Year, Tough Beginning

178 thoughts on “The unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Part 32: To Be a Man is Not Easy

  1. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely out there.

  2. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  3. A large percentage of of whatever you point out is supprisingly precise and that makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light before. This article truly did switch the light on for me as far as this specific subject matter goes. However there is actually 1 point I am not necessarily too comfortable with and whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the main theme of your position, permit me observe just what all the rest of the readers have to say.Well done.

  4. The subsequent time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to read, however I actually thought youd have something fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you would fix for those who werent too busy searching for attention.

  5. Hiya very nice website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?KI’m happy to find a lot of helpful info right here in the publish, we’d like work out extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  6. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  7. I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?

  8. The very heart of your writing whilst sounding agreeable originally, did not really sit properly with me after some time. Someplace within the sentences you actually were able to make me a believer but just for a very short while. I still have got a problem with your jumps in assumptions and you might do well to help fill in all those breaks. If you actually can accomplish that, I will definitely end up being impressed.

  9. My brother recommended I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  10. Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.

  11. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  12. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

  13. I’m impressed, I must say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very comfortable that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing regarding this.

  14. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!

  15. Great ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  16. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it

  17. Thanks for your entire work on this site. Kate takes pleasure in engaging in investigation and it is easy to understand why. A lot of people notice all about the dynamic ways you deliver worthwhile techniques on the website and even strongly encourage contribution from website visitors on the concept plus our favorite girl is in fact discovering a great deal. Take pleasure in the remaining portion of the new year. Your performing a fantastic job.

  18. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

  19. I’m no longer sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I used to be looking for this information for my mission.

  20. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.

  21. Hey there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!

  22. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!

  23. I’ve been browsing online greater than 3 hours today, but I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful value enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  24. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  25. I believe this is one of the most vital info for me. And i am satisfied reading your article. However should commentary on some common issues, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Excellent task, cheers

  26. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  27. I have not checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  28. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  29. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog readers have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?

  30. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.

  31. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  32. Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  33. hi!,I like your writing so so much! share we communicate more approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this house to solve my problem. Maybe that is you! Taking a look ahead to look you.

  34. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  35. My brother recommended I would possibly like this website. He used to be entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not believe simply how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  36. Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I maintain such information a lot. I used to be seeking this particular information for a very lengthy time. Thank you and good luck.

  37. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.

  38. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this web site. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it.

  39. This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  40. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  41. I’m extremely impressed along with your writing abilities as well as with the structure in your blog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today..

  42. I really like your writing style, excellent info, regards for posting :D. “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” by Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky.

  43. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  44. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the ultimate part 🙂 I maintain such information much. I was seeking this particular information for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.

  45. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such great info being shared freely out there.

  46. Throughout the great scheme of things you’ll secure a B- for effort. Exactly where you actually lost me was on all the details. You know, it is said, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more true at this point. Having said that, permit me inform you precisely what did deliver the results. The text is quite powerful and that is possibly the reason why I am taking the effort in order to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, despite the fact that I can easily see a leaps in reason you come up with, I am definitely not confident of just how you seem to connect the points which inturn make your conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt yield to your point however wish in the foreseeable future you actually link the facts better.

  47. I was just seeking this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top websites are full of garbage.

  48. Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  49. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

  50. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  51. I believe that is among the most significant information for me. And i’m satisfied studying your article. However wanna statement on some basic things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Excellent task, cheers

  52. I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :).

  53. I carry on listening to the news broadcast talk about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

  54. Nice post. I be taught one thing more difficult on totally different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to learn content from other writers and observe just a little something from their store. I’d desire to make use of some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  55. Howdy very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?KI am happy to find so many helpful info right here within the publish, we’d like develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  56. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, very good blog!

  57. Howdy very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to seek out a lot of useful info right here in the put up, we’d like develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.

  58. Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve take into accout your stuff prior to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I really like what you have received here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which by which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you continue to take care of to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.

  59. Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.

  60. I have learn several just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you set to create this sort of magnificent informative site.

  61. Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.

  62. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Cheers!

  63. Amazing blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!

  64. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  65. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  66. I am no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time finding out more or working out more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

  67. In this great scheme of things you’ll secure a B- just for effort and hard work. Where you actually misplaced me personally was first on the particulars. You know, as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be much more accurate right here. Having said that, permit me reveal to you what exactly did work. The article (parts of it) is incredibly convincing and this is most likely why I am making an effort to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, while I can easily notice a leaps in reason you come up with, I am not really confident of just how you appear to unite your ideas that help to make the final result. For now I will yield to your issue but hope in the foreseeable future you actually connect the dots much better.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *