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On July 27, 2001, I entered the United States on the basis of education.
For the last ten months I have been here and I have enjoyed every minute
of it. People are so lovely and welcoming and the most significant thing
about the people here is that they are so good at jokes. The first time
I got to school, I was kind of nervous about two things, of which one
was language accent and college syllabus, but as time went on, I think
I adjusted pretty well.
Education was my main priority here and I went to St. Philip’s
college to chase my certificate of completion in both drafting and homebuilding.
Fortunately everything went successfully. I graduated on May 10. Thanks
to God because when I recall my past, I don’t remember thinking
of graduating and putting on a gown and a cap and walking in front of
a crowded hall and especially in the United States. Indeed that is so
remarkable!
Learning wise, I have learned more than I expected. For example, I
expected to learn how a house is built right from its foundation, but
I believe I have gone beyond that. For example, designing by the use
of the computer as well as learning how to make cabinets. I have gained
independence. I learned how to take care of myself doing things like
buying groceries and minimizing a dollar.
I wish to develop my country by applying whatever skills I have gained
from here. I have been a good fan of basketball though it’s very
rare in Uganda, and watching it on TV has been part of my leisure time.
My favorite TV channel was AMC where John Wayne was my best movie star.
Uncle John recorded most of his movies for me to take to Uganda. I also
had a chance to visit Sea World with one of my friends and his family
and indeed it was a great fun. We enjoyed it.
I am saying farewell to the USA and particularly to the Episcopalians.
I would like to thank the entire church for the great things it has
done for me and further more to everybody who has done anything however
small for the betterment of my future. In a special way I think Uncle
John and Auntie Frances Harrison for the great love they have showed
me by taking good care of me. In fact, I have been treated as their
biological child for all the time that I have been here. Thank you very
much. I appreciated everything. I will always remember you all especially
in my prayers and when I reach home I will tell my fellow Ugandans that
you are so nice. I am really going to miss you. I extend my apology
in whatever went wrong, but not so much!
Goodbye to you all, Julius Mpagi
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