Migration

My name is Ilson Pereira and I was born in the island of Cape Verde, a very poor country where education is left behind by many students due to lack of help. My family struggled during my high school years and so when I finished high school, they couldn’t afford to send me to college.  I was always aware that I would encounter the same issue that many other students went through. Thus, to fulfill my goal I decided to move to another Island where I could possibility have a job, pay my bills, and pursue a career in business administration.

First, as I grew up in a small island in Cape Verde where we lacked many things, I realized that my goal of becoming a business administrator was going to remain just a dream. My country lacks the main resources one must have in life. For instance, unemployment is the major problem that affects the whole society. There aren’t many job opportunities because our lives are based on agriculture. So, family like mine suffers when it comes to pay for their child education especially college. Therefore, I moved to another island, “Santiago” where there is a better opportunity for me to overcome my obstacles. In the beginning of my transition in City of Praia - Santiago, I started to search for a satisfactory job that could help with my tuition. It took me months to find a job, which offered me less than I expected.

Secondly, I was grateful to find my first job and I thanked my family for the support they provided me in the first few months. Next day I registered for classes and looked for an affordable apartment to stay.  I was very disappointed to find out that my monthly bills including my tuition exceeded my paycheck.  Managing my monthly bills became an issue to me because I couldn’t focus in school and work at the same time. Because of the difficulties I was facing, I made a decision to look for help. Thereby, as I came from a low-income family, I thought getting a scholarship wouldn’t be difficult for me. However, I was wrong because the few scholarships the government provided went unfairly to families that didn’t really need such help. Moreover, I spent the little money I had applying for every scholarship that was available, yet I always got denied. I continued to go to school knowing that I wouldn’t be able to pay my tuition.

Thirdly, even though I encountered many issues going to school, I never gave up on my dream of becoming a business administrator. On the other hand, studying was very difficult for me for I worked long hours. Moreover, I recall many days walking a long distance to school because I couldn’t afford to take the bus. Despite of it all, I never let anything discourage me of becoming someone. Finally, after four years of hard work and dedication I finally accomplished my goal. I graduated in the University of Cape Verde where I got my Bachelor in Business Administration with specialization in Management. It was the happiest day of my life and I was proud of myself for my willingness to go on besides the boundaries I faced. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get my diploma because I owed the school a significant amount of money. I worked days and nights and also hunted for help everywhere trying to pay the school. After many unsuccessful attempts, I was encouraged to come to United States where I found a job that after months I paid my tuition balance. Now that I have opportunity to go further in my education, I applied for the Bridgewater State University because I want to expand my education, getting a graduate certificate in Finance which will be followed by my dreamed MBA graduation.

To conclude, I am thrilled to say during many years of struggle, I was able to accomplish my goal. In City of Praia, Santiago - Cape Verde, I faced several difficulties, but I made sure to remind myself of the reasons that brought me there no matter what circumstances I faced. My willingness to achieve my dream kept me going and made me stronger. USA on the other hand, completed my achievement.  This country certainly offers many opportunities, but it also requires willingness and effort. Therefore, people who migrate in pursuit of a dream should focus on it and face any situation that may come across their path. After all, everything worthwhile in life requires dedication and hard work.

Ilson Pereira.