Everyone Is Successful in Some Way

An Interview

By G.P.

Abu is my grandpa. He went from failing third grade, to almost joining the US army in Germany and Vietnam, to becoming a skilled mechanic for a chocolate factory, where he could solve any problem in the blink of an eye while dancing. 

What was your childhood like? 

My childhood was very pleasant. It was a happy childhood. We used to play all kinds of games with my friends. We used to fly kites. We used to ride bicycles. We used to make all kinds of different games; play marbles, tops, all that. I consider my childhood a happy childhood. I used to get along with my friends, with the neighbors. 

What was your neighborhood and home like? 

The neighbors were very friendly. We used to help each other out in certain areas. We were good neighbors. We never had any problems with our neighbors.

How was school? 

In the first and second grades, I was doing okay. But in the third grade, I flunked the test at the end of the year. In my country, you had to pass that test to advance to the next grade. I had to redo the third grade. That was one of my problems. I cannot remember why I failed that year. After the seventh grade, I went to vocational school. 

Did you ever go to college? 

I didn't go to college, but I went to a vocational school. In my country, you go to school from first grade to seventh grade. Seven years. After seventh grade, you can go to college or to vocational school. I went to vocational school to learn a trade. I had to leave my town on the North Coast and move to the capital of my country. I was in a boarding school for four years to learn how to be a machinist, and eventually, I graduated. When I came to this country, I worked in that vocation. I earned my living with the trade that I learned in my country. 

Would you consider yourself successful in life? 

Yes. I think so. Because what they call the American dream – I did it. I got married here. I had my children, and now I enjoy having my grandchildren. I consider myself very happy to find, in this country, what they call the dream. 

Is there anything in life you want to do or redo? 

When I came to this country, I wanted to go to the army to become an engineer. I wanted to be drafted into the army and go to Germany, even though they were taking everybody to Vietnam in those days. But they didn't allow me into the army because I had flat feet. 

What do you hope to see in the future? 

I am eighty-four years old, so I am hoping to continue living so that I can see my grandchildren grow up to be professionals.