Ishmael Beah

Last night Ishmael Beah had an author's speech at Emens. His speech was very motivational and informative. Listening to him tell his story was even better than just reading the book. He spoke about his life back in Sierra Leone before and during the war, as well as when he came to New York for the first time. He explained how the little things in life that we take for grant-it are never heard of in Sierra Leone. He told us how complicated it was to explain turning on the faucet and getting hot water. In Sierra Leone you had to boil the water and add cold water to get the temperature you want. He also had to explain the moving sidewalk to his uncle. His uncle thought it would be a good idea to have one in Africa so you could just stand on it and you would get out of the war. Ishmael talked about how difficult it was getting back to the US since he did not have a bank statement or land statement. He said the people didn't understand how had the war was in Sierra Leone and why didn't have these documents. Once in the US he started to attend school. He did not tell anyone about his experience until college. He began to write his book his sophomore year and did not intend for it to be published, since he just wanted it for himself. It ended up getting published and he now travels around giving speeches. He said in the future he wants to attend law school. He is also in the process of writing another book. He was very inspirational to listen to because he never gave up hope. Someone once told him that if you are still alive, there is a chance that something good might happen to you, otherwise you wouldn't be alive. He said that is what kept him going the whole time during the war.