For the lesson on not feeling entitled, I was staying with Sista Becks and used to commute for about 20 minutes early in the morning to take the bus to school. I was about the only person who walked along that road in the cold every weekday morning during the winter and spring semester, so I couldn’t wait to get my car. Then there was Steve, a family friend, and a PhD candidate in Prof. Busby’s department, who had been very supportive of Sista Beck’s family before I arrived fromCanada. One fine day during that spring, Steve visited with a nice green Jetta VW sedan. He had just bought it and wanted to take me for a ride. I was really excited for him until he informed me that Sista Becks helped him top up with a loan. I started wondering how she could watch me trek every morning in the cold and not give me a similar amount of support. After Steve dropped me off at home, I had some self-introspection and realised how selfish and ungrateful I was. I was living with my sister rent-free, didn’t contribute to groceries or utilities, but got to save my stipends fully towards the purchase of my car, and there I was envious of someone who had been very supportive of my sister’s family and was getting a loan. That was when I got to understand her fairness and the need for me not to feel entitled just because I am a sibling or a friend. I realised that irrespective of who I am dealing with, I must work to earn any support, favour, or return I receive. Sista Becks, thanks for being one of the most influential and impactful people in my life. Big thanks to Prof. Busby for giving me a lifeline to enable me to pursue my doctoral degree. Much love, Sis and to the family! Joe Bee with Bobo, Manfred, Wasaga & Kweku Joe Bee and his Sekondi childhood & Vandal buddies, Bobo, Bus-Mo and Scarface 26
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