Tut Gatyiel
Age: 27
Region: Upper Nile
Not knowing where we were going or what we would eat next were the scariest
things for me as I traveled from the Upper Nile region of Africa, going through
Ethiopia, Sudan, and finally arriving in Kenya.
I began my journey at the age of ten, following the footsteps of those traveling ahead
of me. I traveled with my cousin and nephew, and made many friends along the way,
some whom I still see. We ate wild animal carcasses that we found along the way. I
used my swimming skills when crossing the Gilo River into Sudan; those who
couldn’t swim had to pull themselves across with ropes.
In Kenya, I stayed at a camp called Kakuma. I attended school there, and loved
learning about the world. I also liked physics. But once I finished school, there was
nowhere to go, no job waiting for me. Luckily, I was able to come to the U.S. God
planned for me to go. I felt confident that I could do whatever was necessary to
succeed. Now that I have been in Arizona nearly five years, I feel I can give advice to
others. Getting used to the heat in Arizona was difficult, as was learning to pay bills.
But people understand me, and I now know the system and what is needed to get a
job done.
I am attending Phoenix College and work for Delta. I am studying Industrial
Engineering. Eventually, when I feel it safe to return to Sudan, I want to work with
petroleum. There is oil in my country and I want to help make gas more affordable.
Although it is difficult working and going to school, the best thing about life in
America is the choices I can make. I feel I have power here.