JIJIGA, Ethiopia — As children we never really understood the words of our elders. As kids we felt things were said to appear unrelated or a part of some proverb from our ancestors. Needless to say, it all felt like the teacher from the cartoon Charlie Brown was always trying to tell us what to do. Here's the thing, it's a cycle, even those before us felt the same way as kids about their elders too. As they got older they came to appreciate those conversations and realize the redundancy of it all, is a part of life. Each one teaches one, is the old saying, I find myself remembering things said to me about life and having this connection when returning home to visit. I think to myself, life started here, home is the beginning. It's kind of like school, there’s always a home room where every student starts their day. As the day moves along students transition to other classes but no matter where you end up, the student will always start each day at home.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Semegn Feseha, an advocate for humanity, motivational speaker and influencer. Something she stated stuck out to me. Like many of us she too had a revelation about the lessons of life and where it all started. Back when I was growing up in Jijiga the capital city of Somalia Region, she says, I didn't appreciate it then. Now, I love my home, a society of many different tribes; Issa, Gadabuursi, Surre, Biimaal, Bajimal, Bursuk, Gurgura, Quranyow etc. A make up of beautiful people, I’ve grown to love, respect and accept the differences. Looking back, I can visualize the way we lived and how we intermingled. We treated one another as family, unknowingly my upbring has influenced my purpose today, the very reason why I am extremely passionate about helping the less fortunate.
“I advised others to stay away from negative situations and find a way to see new experiences.”
Described by many as cheerful, Semegn is also a quiet person who enjoys thinking and planning. She is not one to seek attention or validation for any deed that has been done. She says, it's more appropriate for me to support others in silence so it can continue and be impactful. We have to be careful, not everyone has our best interest. I advised others to stay away from negative situations and find a way to see new experiences.
After receiving a degree in Nursing Semegn moved to Fiq for a job, which is 195 kilometers southwest of Jijiga. Immediately, she realized her heart and soul wasn’t into the job there and so she made the conscious decision to east to Ethiopia capital city Addis Ababa. Quickly noticing the lack of transparency and social interaction she still found the inspiration to persevere. I wanted to be challenged, registering myself in a language school to study English I knew this would encourage a different path for me. During this time I got a job as the finance assistant in another language school named “learning for life language center”. Thereafter, I earn my accounting degree at “Mekanee- Eyesus Management and Leadership College”. Now I am currently working at Gemeta Construction as the accountant while in the process of earning my business management degree.
There’s a level of motivation one needs to have when relocating to a new area, that’s if you’re planning to be productive and accomplish any goals that you have. What I have learned is that Semegn respects the process, exercises kindness and uses wisdom. She says, my father instilled kindness in me and my mother taught me to be patient and how to use wisdom which comes from God. If you really think about this, these basic tools alone with a little tenacity will carry a person on their path to success.
“I love to stay home, it makes me feel safe”
But unlike many social bugs today, Semegn states she doesn’t particularly engage in night life activities. I am a simple girl who loves hiking with friends and appreciating nature. Otherwise, I love to stay home, it
makes me feel safe. It’s comforting to make coffee and read my collection of books; “The seven habits of highly effective people” by Stephen R. Covey,the power of now By: Eckhart Tolle, “left to tell” by Immaculee Ilibagiza, Steve Erwin and “Yesinibit Kelemat” by Adam Reta. For a healthier lifestyle, Semegn says, meditation also keeps me free of stress and focused on the word of God. Especially as women in a society we live in, Semegn implies, it's extremely important we feed our minds just as much as we feed our stomachs. The benefits of this is better focus and concentration, improved self-awareness and self-esteem.
A letter to my dearest father
I want to tell you how grateful I am to be your your daughter. I thank you for the unconditional love through out my years. Although you're no longer with us, I still feel your spirit alive in my heart.
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