The Sacrifices they Make in Search of Education

Like most fresh Nigerian Immigrants to the States, I drove a Taxi when I arrived in the US. With the intent of renting my own house and knowing that my pay won't do it for me on time, I went into cab renting to supplement my income. And it became a habit whenever I am in School. That was before the advent of Uber.

It was during one of the extended weekends on the steering that I gave this young smartly dressed lady a ride. She was going to the Train Station on her way to New York. And she was worried that I was not driving fast enough. That was when the discussion about who she is, where she is going, and why she is in hurry came up.

She told me she is a student in Boston (she mentioned the name of the university). Adding she is going to New York to work. Going to New York to work, and you are a student in Boston? "Yes." How and what kind of job is that? "I am a stripper." A stripper? "Yes." Why New York and not Boston? "Because New Yorkers are big spenders."

And you don't miss classes? "Nope." How is that possible? "I don't have lectures on Friday and Saturday. So, I have Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to work. Starting from Thursday night, I get into the 6 p.m. train from Boston and arrive at New York Pen Station by about 10 p.m. and straight into the club." "At 3 a.m. it's all over and I'm back at the Pen Station to take the Grey Hond Bus to Boston." "And I use Sunday to rest and prepare for my lectures." Wao, that's a fully packed weekend you have, I said. "Yeah, I have to do it." "I am the first in my family to go to college." Glad to hear that.

Before she drops, she asked if I do this full time. I replied no, adding that I am also a student. And we have the same schedule because I don't have lectures on Friday, too. She asked which school, and I told her. "Now I can see why you are so comfortable discussing with me, most cab drivers don't even want to talk to you or interested in what you do." "Good luck in your studies," she said, as she alighted from my cab. Good luck to you, too. And have a safe trip. She looked back, smiled, and waved. And I waved back.

Lesson learned: If you don't know them, don't tell their stories.

(By the way, most of the schools in Boston and Cambridge do not have classes on Friday).