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 speak with Reuben Ndjerareou—a community leader, educator, and the visionary behind Speak African Series. He is also the host of The Think African Talks (TATT TALKS). Reuben shares his powerful, cross-continental journey: born in Chad, raised in the U.S. from ages 4 to 12, then sent back to Chad when assimilation became difficult. He later returned to the U.S. for high school and college, secured Optional Practical Training (OPT), but the company he worked for collapsed, cutting his plans short.
Reuben returned to Chad, eventually pursued a master’s degree in the U.S., and has since worked in Chad, Zambia, and the United States. He also lived as a refugee in Cameroon—an experience that shaped his worldview.
We discuss the importance of African think tanks, the struggles of international students, and Reuben’s commitment to shifting African narratives through storytelling and dialogue. Catch him every Thursday at 8 PM EST on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook for TATT TALKS.
Links mentioned :
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kwanda/
Aseshi University :
https://g.co/kgs/kg3W9NZ
uwec.edu
bemidjistate.edu
Some of the few other schools that offer In State Tuition in the US :
Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-College Station, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Minot State University,Dickinson State University, and Northern State University also offer this benefit.