EssayStoryJournalBook reviewReflectionResearchLetterPoemMemoir963 words5 min readAutosave enabledThe time is 1900hrs EAT at Riviera court Hse 305, in South B when a scheduled zoom meeting with our special guest, Enos Rotich, takes place. For those who're not aware, he's the last-born son of Peter Rotich of Uasin Gishu county (and he's the only Kapmais' kid in the US (I know, a phenomenal guy). The main incentive for the interview was to share his journey to the land of Obama; the gains, the challenges, the ups, and the downs, etc. It turns out that we thought we knew was but the tip of the iceberg, he sure is a GOAT. The interview kicks off with an introduction and the initial dream of flying abroad for greener pastures. And so the story goes... QN: Tell me more about 'Enos' as a person; socially, politically, and spiritually Enos: I am Enos Rotich, a brother to Edwin, Eliud, Eric, and Elphas from Kaptumo. Having studied at Chebisaas High school, where I undertook various leadership roles including; class prefect, captain of academics, and welfare programs like counseling. Here, he illustrated his phenomenal sense of responsibility, leadership, self-discipline, and being a team player. It's these values nurtured from the very beginning that has led to the man that I am today. QN: How much can you attribute your current success to your roles at high school? Enos: As a captain, the role really sharpened my social and leadership skills. These skills have come in handy in sports, class, and at work. I learned quite early the complex dynamics that go into working with very diverse individuals to achieve an end goal. Even currently as a supervisor at my workplace, the ability to lead really helps in getting along to achieve an end goal as a team. QN: How has your journey been? Take me through it Enos: Earlier on I had gotten admission into a US university but with the extremely high fee cost, I had to look for a scholarship. Under Uniserv, we all were 1200 applicants competing for the top 250 positions before a final filter to only 40 positions. Needless to say, the process was super rigorous through various essay-writing. I couldn't make it for the final cutoff but it was during this period that I came to know of Education USA. Here, I had to enroll in tracking sports for the first time. This was followed by a very intense 6-month training session, after which I was one of those that qualified. The journey abroad was also accentuated by a number of obstacles including having to wait an hour for clearance upon landing. Nonetheless, I have also had a bunch of supportive teams behind me including my coach who actually picked me up from the Washington airport my first time in the US. I have also had supportive colleagues and instructors at the school, which was diverse and respected all individuals alike unlike those monstrous racist stories you often hear of here. QN: You mentioned luck, could you take me through your ordinary day schedule? Enos: My days were super busy during the study period and got even more demanding in my third year with a job. I remember I'd be awake by 0445hrs and go to the track, after which I would study till 0900hrs when I would report to my full-time job till evening then I would go to my other 6-hour job till around 1230hrs, sleep for around 4 hours and the cycle begins again. What incentivized me was the self-reliance I had to accord myself given that I wasn't with family close by to help out. I've had to grow up very fast at a young age for sure. Nonetheless, I have been super humbled by the opportunities that I have been blessed with. Besides, America is a home for opportunities as opposed to Kenya QN: What is your mantra? Enos: What you give is what you get QN: What has been your main challenge in adapting to a new culture? Enos: Despite the bad airport experience the first time I was here, I got a very friendly coach, and colleagues at school and outside of school who facilitated a fairly smooth transition despite missing home at the tender age of 19. I have also been lucky enough to not be a victim of racism firsthand, even in the workplace. QN: What role have your friends played in your life? Enos: I have lost some of the friends I went to school with in Kenya but I have been super blessed with the most supportive friends here and a girlfriend who makes my life better. QN: If I were to ask your friends and girlfriend to describe Enos in 3 words, what would they say? Enos: I think they would say I am generous, kind/good-hearted, stubborn (when it's called for), self-driven, and disciplined. QN: What keeps you going? Enos: I would say the fact that there are lots of opportunities here, I can always make something out of myself. I think financial stability earns you more freedom (not happiness) and I really think achieving this at a young age comes in handy. Being able to afford stuff that you wouldn't have otherwise is something I don't take for granted and is an incentive in itself. QN: Given where you are now, what's your greatest fear? Enos: I recently got admission to grad school but I am still conflicted on whether to take it or stay at work. I guess my fear is missing out on a greater good or opportunity. QN: Given the challenges you've mentioned on your journey to the US, was it worth it? Enos: Definitely, here there are so much more opportunities, better infrastructure, and better labor laws that foster growth compared to Kenya. QN: