IN one way or another we are all a statistic in some way. After over 30 years in the U.S I was deported back to Guyana. Leaving here at the ripe age of 7 and returning at the even riper age of 40, I found myself alone.

The majority of my family was either in the U.S, England or Canada. After a month back in Guyana, I secured employment as a security officer and have been employed since then.

I have a permanent place of abode; a permanent job and I have not been in any trouble with the law or anyone for that matter.

When I came back to Guyana, I thought all hope was lost. I didn’t know anyone, how to get around, who to speak to or the ins and outs of government. Not only have I secured employment and a home, I’ve met quite a bit of positive and influential people. I have no desire to revert to my old habits (that’s another article) or into the same crowd.

Even though I see how easy it could be to fall back into those habits. I have recently in the past year done some self-evaluation on how to spend the rest of my life. I’ve done some conditioning on how I want to spend my life.

In so many ways I believe God brought me back home to start my life over again; to teach me what it is to struggle; to teach me how to live on life’s own terms.

At a point in life I was used to life being handed to me, not sought out or determined. I’ve always known that I have choices and that I’m the one to make them but I didn’t always make good and beneficial ones. I’ve heard about many being deported and after being deported felt that all hope was lost and sought out the same life style that they’d become so comfortable with, because it’s easier to deal with especially in the shallow state of mind. I will not say I’m totally cured because I could easily fall back into street life. I’m trying though and so far so good. Just because you are deported doesn’t mean life is over with. I am educated with a year of college under my belt. I have a certificate with the U.S department of labour in food technology in America. While in college I studied a dual major in business administration and marketing and management. At 41, soon to be 42, I still would like to finish the studies I started in America and achieve one of my long range goals of opening my own establishment and/or running someone else’s business. As long as I stay strong and focused I will make it.

Until next time Stay focused!

More will be revealed.
ANDREA BRUMMELL