In Season 1, Episode 9, Kola shared something many immigrants quietly relate to — the opportunities we don’t recognize until it’s too late. He talked about not taking an internship that could have opened doors, choosing not to repeat his final high school year here in America (a move that might have helped him secure scholarships), and how he only started applying for jobs at a time when the housing market had crashed. His story reflects a common immigrant experience: sometimes we miss chances simply because we don’t know the system or we don’t understand the value of what’s in front of us.
Last year, I learned my own version of that lesson.
After almost eleven years of ignoring conference emails at work — deleting, skipping, scrolling past — I finally attended two major conferences, including the Magnet Conference in New Orleans. Everything was fully paid for: airfare, accommodation, meals… even my own private hotel room. And I later learned that people attend with their families — it’s allowed — which is why everyone gets their own room. Meanwhile, I was shocked thinking it was an upgrade.
That trip opened my eyes.
At Magnet, Kodi Lee performed at the opening ceremony — yes, Kodi Lee! I met three authors, including Robin Arzón(the killer Peloton instructor and author of Just Run), Shola (author of Ubuntu), and Damon West, author of The Change Agent and the children’s book The Coffee Bean. The exhibit hall was full of the latest medical equipment, new clinical practices, incredible presentations, and even therapy puppies. Charity won a pair of Hoka shoes and an iPad. It was a whole experience.
And that’s when it hit me:
My dad used to travel for conferences when he was senior staff — so subconsciously, I filed conferences under “for big titles only.” I never imagined these opportunities were meant for regular employees too. For everyday people like me.
This episode brings Kola’s lesson and mine together:
When you don’t know the value, you miss the opportunity.
When you don’t understand the system, you stay on the sidelines.
And when something isn’t part of the world you grew up in, you may not realize it belongs to you too.
Sometimes the blessing is already sitting in your inbox.
All you need to do is say yes.
https://www.instagram.com/assortedimmigrantstoriespod?igsh=djdoZXprY2VnMDQx&utm_source=qr
assortedimmigrantstories@gmail.com
www.tiktok.com/@assortedimmigrantstories
#ComingToAmerica #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantJourneys #ZambiaKuVhalo #DiasporaLiving
In Season 1, Episode 9, Kola shared something many immigrants quietly relate to — the opportunities we don’t recognize until it’s too late. He talked about not taking an internship that could have opened doors, choosing not to repeat his final high school year here in America (a move that might have helped him secure scholarships), and how he only started applying for jobs at a time when the housing market had crashed. His story reflects a common immigrant experience: sometimes we miss chances simply because we don’t know the system or we don’t understand the value of what’s in front of us.
Last year, I learned my own version of that lesson.
After almost eleven years of ignoring conference emails at work — deleting, skipping, scrolling past — I finally attended two major conferences, including the Magnet Conference in New Orleans. Everything was fully paid for: airfare, accommodation, meals… even my own private hotel room. And I later learned that people attend with their families — it’s allowed — which is why everyone gets their own room. Meanwhile, I was shocked thinking it was an upgrade.
That trip opened my eyes.
At Magnet, Kodi Lee performed at the opening ceremony — yes, Kodi Lee! I met three authors, including Robin Arzón(the killer Peloton instructor and author of Just Run), Shola (author of Ubuntu), and Damon West, author of The Change Agent and the children’s book The Coffee Bean. The exhibit hall was full of the latest medical equipment, new clinical practices, incredible presentations, and even therapy puppies. Charity won a pair of Hoka shoes and an iPad. It was a whole experience.
And that’s when it hit me:
My dad used to travel for conferences when he was senior staff — so subconsciously, I filed conferences under “for big titles only.” I never imagined these opportunities were meant for regular employees too. For everyday people like me.
This episode brings Kola’s lesson and mine together:
When you don’t know the value, you miss the opportunity.
When you don’t understand the system, you stay on the sidelines.
And when something isn’t part of the world you grew up in, you may not realize it belongs to you too.
Sometimes the blessing is already sitting in your inbox.
All you need to do is say yes.
https://www.instagram.com/assortedimmigrantstoriespod?igsh=djdoZXprY2VnMDQx&utm_source=qr
assortedimmigrantstories@gmail.com
www.tiktok.com/@assortedimmigrantstories
#ComingToAmerica #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantJourneys #ZambiaKuVhalo #DiasporaLiving
In this episode, I chat with Ben-Collins, CEO of BC Advantage LLC, an AI-powered company helping people and organizations connect with their purpose through innovative technology. Born and raised in Cameroon, Ben shares his powerful story of immigrating to the U.S., launching his business, and now contributing to the Global AI Summit in Rwanda and Zambia. A passionate advocate for community, equity, and impact, Ben offers actionable insights on how anyone can leverage artificial intelligence for career growth, entrepreneurship, and positive change.
Books Shared by Ben:
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
My Recommendations:
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
Movie Recommendation:
The Fisherman’s Diary (available on Netflix)
Learn more about Ben’s work:
Website: BC Advantage LLC
YouTube: BC Advantage Insights
YouTube: Mind and Heart Conversations with BC
https://www.bcadvantagellcs.com