Dreamers
Here are some small snippets of professions that few of my ride share drivers were from, This is a tribute to few of the many dreamers I’ve met on these ride shares.
Here are some small snippets of professions that few of my ride share drivers were from, This is a tribute to few of the many dreamers I’ve met on these ride shares.
It was snowing and I was in my business suit when I rode the
vehicle. The driver was very polite, from the way he spoke he reminded me of an
old friend. So I asked if he too was from central Africa, just like my friend. Qui! he responded. I am from Cameroon. That was an instant conversation
starter. What do you do Sir, he asked? I work for a consulting firm I responded.
I want to do something like that, he said. But very few opportunities in my
field of expertise, he sighed. What field will be that? I asked. I worked in Cameroon
for a cellphone service provider. I was a BSS engineer. He mentioned. Most of
my friends tell me that in the US only way to get a good job in technology is
if you are a software engineer. I am trying to earn money by driving and
helping some businesses on their WiFi network maintenance to earn enough to
learn software development. I started as a BSS engineer in India almost 20 years ago, I said. And I still work in telecom industry, I handed him my business card; Send me your resume if
you want and may be something can work on BSS or network side for you. His eyes sparkled. After a few days he was working
as a Network engineer with one of my friend’s firm.
Ironically now after a few years he is an expert in enterprise WiFi. He
occasionally calls me and we do talk about that day he picked me from my house to drop
me to the airport. I always feel that I recommended his name to my friend
because I had felt his passion for his dream, when I had met him. I
am glad that I was in his car that day else how would I tell my friend that he
owes his best performer to my recommendation. One day I will get a chance to work with you my
friend, you know you are worth it.
Another day, late evening from airport to home I met another
dreamer. He was driving the ride share from 7pm to 11pm daily as he told me.
What do you do before 7, I asked? Oh, I work for The airlines from 9am to
6pm. Curently, I am a baggage handler. But I will not be that for long. He said
in a gritty voice. I am working in my degree in avionics. I know I started
late, but while growing up I never had thought about a career. I started as a
porter at the Airport and then learnt how much fun engineering can be. So I
work long hours on weekdays and attend school over weekends. You know what, I
was interviewed by a major airline last week and I think I will fill a role in
engineering team. They are giving me a trainee role till I graduate. I am
impressed, I said, you sure should be proud of yourself. I am sir he replied,
but more than that my wife and my 5 year old son are proud of me. That is what
I want to see more than anything. 
Dream on my friend as the world is made a
better place by those who dream. I said. I could see proud in his smile
when I was leaving the car. I knew I have a story to tell my kids that night. I hope I see the other side of his story one day. I am sure he has fulfilled his dream by now. And I hope he already had his next dream. Because dreamers make the world worthwhile.
I remember writing an article many years ago and there was a line that have kept me going on the dream chase sharing that while we are talking of dreamers-
Dreams don't have handles to hold on to; but they do have wings !
So all dreamers out there, just don't hold back, nurture them and one day your dreams will spread the wings and fly, taking you along!
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