Things change!

Growing up as friends and classmates, it was Ous, Saul, Bax, Lamin and Buba. But unlike Buba whose dad was a very humble cobbler by trade, Ous’s father was a top civil servant, Bax and Saul’s were successful businessmen and Lamin’s was a doctor.

These were the days when Deutschland was the thing, when every youth’s desire was to travel, come back as a “semester,” own a BMW or 190E Mercedes-Benz, be dressed in specially selected sport shirts and Chewan jeans (turned up preferably), neck and ears full of jewelry, pull on Nike, Timberland or Fila boots. You know that kind of tough-guy image that affords you respect regardless.

To come to the point, all the four friends except Buba had assured hopes of going abroad immediately after high school, because their fathers were seemingly well-off. Buba couldn’t even state his eagerness to travel without someone mockingly reminding him of his humble background. And that kind of shit happens all the time, sometimes you look at a certain peer and consider your background stronger.

At the last part of their high school years, poor Buba got hold of an anonymous sponsor, but he kept it behind the scenes. So when the others are blowing their proud horns, he kept his cool, knowing what he knew. Immediately after high school, the secret benefactor decided to support Buba’s trip and then phew, he left for foreign.   

I could tell the full story if I have time, but to be brief, Buba is now abroad and he’s living a bigger life according to the grapevine. Meanwhile, onetime confident Ous, Saul, Bax and Lamin have had at least three entry clearance rejections each. And ironically, Buba that they thought was a hopeless case paid some of those wasted visa application bills.

So you see how different the day of planning can be from the day of battle? See how unpredictable conditions can be? See how a poor peasant could turn out to be the mighty prince? See how being the first dancer or laugher doesn't mean you'll dance or laugh last? Haven’t you heard that success is like the swing of a monkey because the monkey hangs on any tree?

In conclusion, it is never a wise thing to consider your thirst quenched simply because you have a cup in hand. Remember that there’s many a slip between that cup and your lip. So in case yours is not unlike the mind-set of Buba’s friends, please consider this piece against your delusion.