— New York City
What a remarkable day it was for Temitope in New York City! A lot has been heard about this beautiful city. And truly, it exceeded every description given.
Her aunt had provided her with the opportunity to study at the prestigious New York University.
The sight of New York University popped up in the last conversation she had with her principal. ‘’Tope,’’ the elderly man called in his calm voice. ‘New York is beautiful for vacation and other leisure activities. ‘Are you certain you want to study in New York City?’ he asked calmly.
At that moment, she knew there was no other response to give a concerned principal than the one she gave him. ‘’Sir, do remember me in your prayers.’’ Immediately, Temitope gave him the response he longed to hear, and he smiled convincingly. He knew Temitope had given him what he yearned for; he only wanted her to affirm it.
Her last conversation with her mother before her departure flashed through her mind. ’’Temitope, Morenikejimi, no matter where you find yourself, always remember the child of whom you are.’’ She continued her dialogue with her daughter: ‘’Sisi Akowe wrote to your father and me about this place called New York, where beautiful and rich people live. ”My daughter, don’t get carried away by this lovely place and lose focus.”
‘’Thank you! Maami.’’ Temitope humbly said this to her mother, who was already crying with her hands wrapped around her.
All the counsel given to her came pouring out. Everyone who heard she was leaving for New York had one or two things to say to her. If necessary, the mosquitoes in her house would have told her to enjoy sweet sleep in America.
Also Read CHAPTER FOUR Little Beginnings
The very words she held onto were the words spoken to her by her English teacher, Mrs. Rotimi, that ‘In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.’ All she needed at that moment to get it together was that she was safe and that America could be her home if she wanted it to be.
Temitope met Kehinde a year after her arrival in New York. The two had met at an event organized for Africans in New York in partnership with the International Students’ Program.
With the help of Kehinde Temitope, she adapted well to the environment, particularly because she never wanted to be like David Otutu. Kehinde had told her stories of Nigerians who came to America for degrees and, after studying for years, made the decision to settle permanently in America. He also told her the stories of others who migrated to America with the hope of finding a beautiful home to call their own.
David Otutu’s narrative opened her eyes to the scope of her potential to study in the United States.
David Otutu, then 25 years old, traveled to the United States for the first time after being selected by the baale of his town to lead the local government’s youth empowerment program. Despite his lack of formal education, David Otutu was chosen to guarantee that the program was inclusive for all participants.
All he needed to do was stay there, go back to his hometown, and delegate more power to the other young people in the community. But neither David Otutu nor the folks who covered his expenses had a happy ending.
Otutu arrived during the winter but never appreciated or understood the season, so he never went out of the house. Each time he was asked out of the house, he would explain that America was too cold for a man like him. Otutu, which means cold, was the only recurring word David had about America. After spending a few weeks, he was sent back to Nigeria, where the people were glad to receive him. David’s memory about America was just about the cold; hence, he was given David Otutu. He never had the opportunity to visit America again. His ignorance had cost him a lot. Other people who were as ignorant as David went with his story that America was too cold a place and so lost the opportunity of a lifetime.
The story of David Otutu was widely circulated among the Yorubas in New York and told constantly to teach their children the implications of ignorance.
Temitope knew her success in college could help her find a home in America, and so she was determined to succeed. Importantly, she was glad to have someone like Kehinde who was always there for her. For the elders, it can be deduced that Kehinde was drawn to Temitope because of her tribe. It is widely believed among us that those you share the same blood with are attracted to you and that you are also attracted to them in one way or another.
*************************************************************************************
The first Christmas celebration is always the most memorable for foreigners abroad, especially in America, where it is considered a time to show love and help the needy. Temitope was used in the Nigerian system, where goods are increased during festive periods. Most times, families who couldn’t afford to buy these expensive goods would have bought the little they could afford months before Christmas. Not only would Uche stock goods before the big celebration, Mama Simbi would also buy goods cheaply only to sell them at an exorbitant rate.
Struck at the way people cared for the homeless, especially during Christmas, Temitope uttered to Kehinde, ‘’I have never thought of finding homeless people in a country like America.’’ With no sign of amazement, Kehinde replied, ‘’There are some things that will continue to amaze one even when you see enough reason to be amazed.’’ Being convinced that the message was well interpreted, Kehinde stated, ‘’You must come over for the weekend. I’ve made arrangements for you to meet my family. We’ll be delighted to have you.” ‘’It would be my utmost pleasure,’’ Temitope replied.
It was a pleasure for the family of Kehinde to meet Temitope. Kehinde’s family is one of the nicest people anyone traveling to New York would wish to meet. They had it all in them. This is what the Yorubas would refer to as omoluabi. cultured, courteous, and also given to hospitality.
The language used in the home for communicating with one another was Yoruba, despite the fact that they were taught and rightly exposed to it. Kehinde’s mother, a lecturer at one of the community colleges in New York, narrated the joy she had in coming to America.
Both parents had migrated to America before Kehinde’s birth and had to complete their studies in America before their wedding. It was at the table that Kehinde told Temitope that she lost her twin at birth. Kehinde’s younger siblings were also twins; both boys are identical and look very much like their father.
As much as Kehinde’s family made her feel like she was home, there was this nostalgic feeling Temitope couldn’t get off her. The feeling was so strong that she couldn’t help but talk about how she misses her family.
After having a pleasant time at the house, she departed with a heart full of love. She made sure she composed a letter to her parents and aunt, narrating that she had met one of her own people here in New York and that they also have twins in their family just like hers.
The letter was posted the following week with enthusiasm.
