My Journey from Zimbabwe to Texas: Lessons in Hard Work and Resilience
A Tale of Transition: From Privilege to Manual Labor
Embracing New Challenges in Texas
As an international student from Zimbabwe, my journey to Texas was filled with unique experiences and life-altering lessons. I arrived in Texas, eager to embrace new opportunities, and found myself plunged into a world vastly different from what I was accustomed to.
The Summer Job: Digging Holes in South Texas
One of my most defining experiences was a summer job that seemed simple yet turned out to be anything but. I was fortunate to secure a manual labor position, digging holes in the sweltering heat of South Texas. This job was part of a project to construct Shadeports, a type of shade structure from South Africa. My mother, a successful entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, had invested in this company, providing me with this unique opportunity to earn money.
A Diverse Crew: Learning from Every Walk of Life
Working alongside ex-convicts, retired military personnel, and individuals without papers ('sin papeles'), I was immersed in a melting pot of backgrounds and stories. This diverse crew taught me invaluable lessons about life, resilience, and the multitude of paths people walk.
The Economic Landscape of Texas
I recall vividly how the economic landscape of Texas at the time seemed almost surreal to me. Gas was a mere $0.99 per gallon, and a Jumbo Jack from Jack in the Box also cost just $0.99. Earning $7 an hour felt like a fortune, especially for the grueling task of digging 6-foot holes and mixing cement in temperatures that soared to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lessons in Hard Work and Perseverance
This job was physically demanding and tested my limits. In my first week, I collapsed from heat exhaustion, a stark reminder of the harshness of manual labor. Gatorade became our lifeline. Despite the challenges, I learned the value of hard work, the importance of perseverance, and the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish.
Discovering the Hill Country and Its Challenges
One fascinating discovery was that the Texas Hill Country sits atop a massive granite formation. Often, we had to use a jackhammer to break through the solid rock, a task that required immense strength and patience.
More Than Just Manual Labor
My role expanded beyond digging holes. I worked in the factory, cutting steel beams, welding pipes, and even painting steel beams. I also collaborated with seamstresses sewing the shade netting imported from Cape Town, South Africa. These experiences broadened my skills and gave me a deep appreciation for various aspects of manufacturing and construction.
Reflections on My Mother’s Influence
Behind my journey was the influence of my mother, a remarkable woman whose entrepreneurial spirit thrived in Zimbabwe during the '90s. Her successful travel and conference business allowed her to interact with dignitaries and organize large-scale events like the World Council of Churches. However, the changing political landscape in Zimbabwe prompted her to seek opportunities elsewhere, a decision that eventually led to my experiences in Texas.
Educational Journey: From Rebellion to Realization
My educational journey mirrored my personal growth. I started as a privileged student at Gateway Primary School in Zimbabwe, where dedicated teachers and a nurturing environment set the foundation for my future. However, as a teenager, I became unruly, more focused on impressing peers than on my studies. This behavior led to a significant change – my transfer to Prince Edward School.
A Turning Point: Special Report and a Lesson in Discipline
At Prince Edward School, under the watchful eye of Mr. Barnes, the principal, I experienced a transformative period. Placed on "Special Report" for underperformance, I had to demonstrate my commitment to my studies daily. The fear of corporal punishment, a legal and common practice in Zimbabwe at the time, was a potent motivator.
From Last to First: A Triumph of Determination
This strict regimen turned my academic life around. From ranking last in my class, I climbed to the top, eventually realizing the true value of education. It was no longer about evading punishment but about seizing the opportunity to better myself.
Meeting Mugabe
As I went through each grade, I was always fond of computers. I learned to program from a young age because my mother taught me dbase. She worked from home and always had a computer which was not very common in Zimbabwe. I immersed myself into computers and learned everything about these wonderful devices. My grandfather told me, she said “sonny, you better learn everything you can about these machines because one day they are going to take over the world”. So I embraced every opportunity to learn about them. I was part of the computers clubs and also took computing as an elective. I became so good with computers that I won the award for computers and was presented with the award from Mugabe. Most people think of Mugabe as this evil villain but he was actually not a bad guy. During the 80’s, he recruited 1000’s of teachers from Mauritius and helped turn Zimbabwe into the most educated country in the world. He would attend graduations at many schools and present students with their awards.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
My journey from Zimbabwe to Texas, from privileged childhood to challenging manual labor, and from educational rebellion to academic success, has been a path of immense growth. It taught me resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of embracing every opportunity life presents. As I reflect on these experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the diverse paths I've walked. My story is a testament to the fact that life's challenges, whether digging through granite or overcoming academic hurdles, shape us into who we are meant to be.
