I am very thankful for everything that is happening in my life right now. Going to college alone is more than most people prophesied me, muss less going to New York City. I remember how big of a thing it was for us when of our German friend went to College in Bremen. It was only 60 miles from where we grew up but to us it was the other side of the world. He was pretty much the only German friend I ever had in my life and the same goes for the other immigrant kids in my neighborhood. I also remember how the way people spoke about him changed after he left. He was accused of neglecting his childhood friends and denying his background because of the white people he now surrounded himself with. To my shame I have to admit that I condemned him, too. Now looking back I know that it was pure jealousy speaking out of us. His going to college revealed our inability to make anything of our life and we blamed him for it. I was very angry at society and the Germans in general at that time blaming them for everything that went wrong in my life, while at the same time craving for what they had. A year after graduation I went to future counseling because my mother was sick of my aimlessness and doing wrong stuff with the wrong people. I never forget that day because I was actually quite optimistic before the guy told me i should be realistic and stop thinking about going to college and rather look for an apprenticeship. I applied for six colleges and got rejected by each one of them. At that point I stopped thinking about college and a friend got me full time job at a factory cutting plastic on an assembly line. I did this for a year and I hated every single minute of it ,but at least I wasn’t alone since my friends resigned themselves to horrible work, too. My mom always blamed me for throwing away my life and I blamed the Germans for not giving me any opportunity. Then, just for fun, i thought about what would be the most remarkable thing i could thing of and googled “study in new york”. The reason i applied to cuny was that they were the only ones who didn’t require letters of recommendation for international students and against all odds i was admitted. I am quite thankful for this opportunity and try to come up to the expectations as good as god allows me to. However, I think everything good in life comes at a price. Unfortunately. Though i was given a tremendous opportunity here I guess i lost some friends and support among the people i grew up with. I guess nothing is perfect.
Mar 10
2 comments
Michael, your determination and positive attitude is something truly amazing. Your story about your past experiences and future ambitions are inspiring and motivating to all, especially me. Good luck in Baruch, and everything you do in life.
Best,
Josh
michael, my friend i know you four months now and i can see the passion and determination you have to succeed in your future and i trully admire you…well done!!!!