I started this blog back in July for a myriad of reasons, but mainly to document my life in KU. Somewhere along the line, it became a tribute to my miserable existence in Kuwait. I avoided turning it into that for a long time, but it is what it is.
People (Kuwaitis in particular?) seem to forget that before coming to this country, I had a whole other life. Take a moment and steal a glance at my banner.
It says "Born American. Raised Canadian".
I had plans. I was going to go to law school, work my way up the corporate ladder, become partner in some high profile agency by the time I was 30 and then enter the Canadian political scene. I was going to buy a cottage in Peggy's Cove and raise my children in Halifax. I never thought we were going to move to Kuwait. So excuse me if I'm bitter and angry, when every plan I ever had for myself was burnt to ash infront of my very own eyes.
I wasn't supposed to be stuck in the Biology department in KU because neither the university nor the Ministry of Higher Education can calculate a Canadian GPA.
So before you tell me to suck it up, please remember that you don't know me. No one in Kuwait has known me longer than 2 and a half years. Not my best friends, not my loyal blog readers, not even my parents.
So while I feel like I should apologize for my recent tone, I won't. Try having all your dreams taken away from you, then come talk to me.
Oh wait... I forgot we're in Kuwait, the land were no one has any dreams or hopes, just multiple smartphones.
Peace out.
Hey Sarah! I'm one of those people who haven't known you for a long time, and i'm not going to pretend like I know you that well because I don't. But I do know that you're an awesomely amazing person with dreams and expectations! You really shouldn't give up on them. KU's ability to calculate your gpa into a Canadian one is just an obstacle in your way right now. it'll blow over :)
ReplyDeleteThough I can't say that I know how you feel, i can relate. I was raised in the states (it's not Canada but it's pretty close). It's not fair to say that no one in Kuwait has any dreams or hopes because I know a lot of people who do (me and you included). Just because the plan you had set out isn't going exactly the way you wanted doesn't mean you won't get there eventually. Wasn't there this cheesy saying 'all roads lead to Rome' or something a long the line.
Cheer up because you are a beautiful independent woman that is someday going to make a difference in this country! :D
p.s. I kinda miss you Sayer!
you should see how they translated my British grade classifications
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_undergraduate_degree_classification#Upper_second-class_Honours
Fucking C! they said.
my comment was supposed to be an upper not a downer, i should have B'dazzeled it with an array of lols and smiley witty emoticons (^A^)
excuse my ignorance; im fairly new here and as you have said, you had a whole other life before that many people arent aware of
dont suck it up or burn away your life as you described. do something about it
i will refrain from further advice as it turns out i was building my thoughts around false assumptions :I
You can pursue a dream using your exceptional, honest, writing ability alone. That is a rarity today, despite the redundant blogs emerging everywhere. Use your talent. Not for a blog, where you're opposed by ignorant I-have-nothing-better-to-do bloggers/tweeters, whatever. Something bigger. You'll thank me one day
ReplyDeleteI dont know you but i can say i was raised in a very similar manner. I agree with the first commenter it really is not fair to call kuwait a land of hopeless and dreamless people. Some of the most amazing people I have met are born and bred kuwaiti.
ReplyDeleteAt 18, I've so far lived in five countries. I have never identified myself to one country. I try not to get too attached to a place because in the end Id end up heartbroken. I try to make the best of each country I've lived. Some were great on paper i.e New York others not so great i.e Pakistan. I hope you dont take this the wrong way but from what I have read you seem to be too attached to Canada. As cheesy as this sounds you make the best out of your environment sulking over Canada is not going to help you move forewords. The first year of any place is hard-I understand believe me i of all people know. Of course you had a life before kuwait but it seems to me that your old life is consuming what would be a new chapter in kuwait. Again I repeat i hope you dont take it the wrong way but i was in your position once living in a country i hated until it occurred to me that i compared it to a completely different place. And you know what after 4 years i fell in love with the place. haha i cried hard leaving that country.
Join a volunteer group, idk do something you have never done before! I understand, malls and mall-goers that dominate kuwait are not my scene either.
If you feel so hopeless in kuwait, go study abroad. Hope this helps-somewhat :)
R.M.A
Hello Earthlings,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you guys. It was a mix of technical difficulties and a slight amount of embarrassment on my part. Your thoughtful words meant so much to me, and the fact that you took the time so stop by and comment (especially with amazing comments like these) really has me choking up.
While I stand by my writing, you guys have really opened up my eyes. We're all right, one way or the other.
Now, this hot mess hopes you enjoyed her nervous breakdown. We now take you back to our regular programming.
S.