I think, aside from the changes that have clearly occurred back home over the years, I am scared of the changes I have also undergone while being very far from home.
Today’s article is from a 23-year-old who has had a rough journey in Russia. He has something to tell us concerning friendship and the company you keep.
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Hello, I am a 23-year-old currently living and studying in Russia. I am set to graduate next year, but I am very scared of going back home. In all my years of studying, I have never gone back.
How did you end up in Russia?
I came to Russia immediately after high school. I couldn’t get admission to the course of my choice, and my parents preferred studying abroad rather than attending a private university.
Oh, okay. How has Russia been for you?
Upon my arrival in Russia, I was very excited but confused. I met people from different walks of life, and I understood that there was more to the laid-back and small life I lived back home. Let’s just say I ended up with the wrong company for the first few years. I come from a very religious family, and I knew the values that my family held. I felt alone in my city and turned to people for comfort.
When you speak about the wrong company, what do you mean?
I was basically drawn into a way of life my family would not approve of. Like I said earlier, my family is very religious, and I was brought up a certain way. I found myself in Russia, and soon enough, I threw the values I held high out the window.
How exactly did your company affect you?
I don’t put the entire blame on my friends alone; I mean, I willingly made the choices I made back then. It first started with me missing a lot of classes just to chill and party. I started drinking, smoking, and all the things you can imagine. My parents were sending me money for upkeep, so money was not really a problem. I would go weeks without attending any classes.
Eventually, my school threatened to expel me, but I pleaded, and I was told to take an academic break. I explained to my parents that school was really hard because of the language barrier, and I had to take a break. They understood and allowed me to stay back here. During that time, I got a job and, through some other means, was able to remain in my city.
That period was one of the worst for me; I was drinking heavily, lost so much weight, and was basically wasting away. I was dismissed from my place of work, and in a bid to remain here, I enrolled in a preparatory faculty at another school in my city. They weren’t as strict concerning attendance, so I found another job and started working.
Now, all these things happened while I was still friends with these people. I tried very hard to break free, but the pressure was immense. I would sit back at times and ponder how I became who I was; I had fallen so low. I was gradually slipping into depression with no one to help.
So, what changed?
Hmm, I met someone. Sometimes when I tell people my story, it is almost hard to believe; some people even think I am lying. I met this person on the bus. Normally, when I see Africans on the bus or road, I just give them a nod or a little wave and we go our separate ways. But this day was different; the person approached me and I was shocked.
The person started talking and telling me that they arrived a few months back and loved the country. We found out we were from the same country and exchanged numbers. One thing led to another and we started talking. Long story short, this person made me face the reality of my life and where I could end up if I didn’t rethink my choices.
I cut myself off from that company and decided to do a reboot. I stopped drinking, but I couldn’t stop smoking. Yeah, the frequency with which I smoke has reduced, but the urge to still smoke is there.
I returned to school, and next year I’ll be graduating.
What is your biggest fear now?
I think my fear is, asides the change that has clearly occurred back home over the years, I am scared of the change I have also undergone being very far from home. I crave some things my family would frown at and the innocent child they sent abroad is not who they are going to receive. I am covered with a lot of issues and I don’t want to offload that on them. I might just stay back instead of going home.
What do you have to tell those reading this?
People don’t take into consideration how much their circle can influence them. The wrong company can literally send your life in the opposite direction. I take 100% responsibility for how my life turned out but my friends had a part to play in who I became. So that you don’t end up with regrets, check your friends.
