I arrived at Aurora library twenty minutes before the scheduled meeting with Aman. Aman is an acquaintance I have met severally at the college and seems a busy man running multiple errands – I could not afford to delay him. When he opened the door, Aman wore a broad smile and asked, “did I keep you?”. Aman was on time, he arrived at 1600hrs, the planned time. He wore a tailored black suit and a fancy red tie. His dark shiny mop of hair was well kempt, with few strands falling over his chiseled face. He gave me a firm handshake and pulled his chair to sit. Being 17 years old, I had felt intimidated interviewing a highly successful 29-year old but Aman made the environment comfortable – he was warm and friendly. I met Aman to talk about his political views and personal identity.
When we started talking about politics, Aman explained how being under the rule of the military denies people basic freedom. He comes from Eritrea where he had a bad experience with the Eritrean system of non-shaped politics. Aman wore a sad face explaining how the Eritrean government has been in power for over three decades, giving no room for the establishment of new political parties or a parliament. As a result, the country has been left in the hands of the military whose rule is restrictive and denies citizens their basic human rights. The discussion of politics painted Aman as a rational, sober man who does not let his personal feelings to interfere with how he relates or perceives others. He expressed his respect for the supporters of the dictator government in Eritrea because, according to him, they (supporters) are entitled to their individual political opinions. Normally, a person would dislike and lack respect for anyone supporting a dictator government that oppresses its people but Aman is different.
Considering his passion, enthusiasm, and positive attitude towards life, one would conclude Aman’s childhood played a big role. He was brought up by loving parents whom he established a close relationship with. Talking about his childhood, Aman’s face lighted up, I could see that he was proud of his background and his parents whom he deeply misses. He fell into a sad mood when explaining how his dream of living with his mother was dispelled due to the hostile regime back in Eritrea. Aman separated with his mother 15 years ago when he fled to the U.S. We all value family union, but to Aman, it’s a luxury that he cannot afford. Being in the foreign land, he struggles to create relationships and finds it hard to blend in the new culture. This confusion makes him feel lonely and miss his home.
While Aman’s life is full of sad experiences, I learnt that there is something he values and is most grateful for. I asked him about his happiest moment in life and he leaned forward and said “My wife”. His dark eyes illuminated an intense honesty and gentleness when he talked about his wife. He said that he considers his wife the greatest blessing through which he has learnt to be grateful for every little thing he has as well as the adversities that befell him when he was young. Undoubtedly, Aman’s wife is his biggest source of happiness. I also learnt that Aman is a religious man guided by the principles of his faith. When I asked him about his saddest moment in life, I expected the obvious answer: separating from his family. That was not the case. His saddest moment is when his ex-girlfriend aborted his baby, an act that Aman vehemently condemned calling it a sin before God. The veins on his bulged and he clenched his jaw. His deep reddening eyes depicted an intense anger he felt towards the action. However,he recollected himself fast and wore his usual smile. He almost apologized for the moment but I interrupted with another question – what he feared most for his future. “Going without education”, he replied immediately. He said he values education and has sacrificed a lot to empower himself academically. He also hopes to raise his children in the same manner and provide them opportunities to advance their education.
It was now thirty minutes into the interview and I got concerned about Aman’s busy schedule. He, however, assured me he was okay and enjoying the session. I wanted to know the most influential person in Aman’s life, which he named his best friend who is a proficient film script writer. He has inspired Aman to follow his talent of script writing. However, Aman said that he is inspired by any successful professional people who commit to their work and follow their dreams. He expressed how everyone has been kind to him although his mother stands out. He also emphasized how grateful he is for getting an opportunity for education and work in the America. He moved to the U.S. as an immigrant but he has been lucky to interact with kind people who have helped him acquire education and a job. His story is truly inspirational. When leaving, Aman shook my hand and in his low rumbling baritone voice said, “Thanks again for inviting me for the interview, Ayda.”