Elhaje

"Here, nothing is impossible."

By Students of NYC

June 20^th, 2023

“I used to work in my country to fix cars. I was there to learn. Sometimes you work all day, and they give you money, but sometimes, they just send you home. It was hard over there. We don't have as many tools. Sometimes, the tools are broken, and you get hurt. I have a lot of scars. And we worked outside, in the sunlight. Hot.

I like the bike, because it’s like fixing cars. Mr. Hajee would show me only one time, and I could always fix it. If you know how to fix it, you like it. It's like life. Nothing is impossible. Everything is possible. If you want to do something, you can do it. When I was there, in Africa, I'd think it was impossible. When I came here, I believed in myself more. There and here — the environment — it's not the same. They also train us for OSHA here, which is so good. Here, they give you skills.

It’s been my dream to go to the army. I have the discipline. The teachers tell me what to do, I will do it. I want to train. Also, I love the uniforms. I want to be in the National Guard. There are people in the world who do bad things, and I would like to guard this country. To save the innocent people. Maybe I’ll like it, maybe not, but it is my dream — I will go and see. But before I go there, I will see if I can work at Citi Bike. I can become a manager there.

I miss my mom the most. She used to cook me my favorite food. In Fulani, they call it ketoun. It’s like cassava, a sauce. It’s like a stew. I had it here a couple of times, because my friend’s sister made it. But it’s not the same.

When I came here, I looked at everyone first, so I can know who they are. One good friend is better than many friends. Who we choose is important.

Mr. Hajee took us to a place where we built bikes for people who did not have much. They were going to give them to their children. I liked that we made them happy. For me, I would like my own apartment one day. A job, a family and an apartment. One with a lot of room inside. That you can stay inside and have space, and not even have to go outside if you don't feel like it. And where would I like to live, if I could live anywhere? Anywhere that is safe, I will be happy."