Sanjae Durrant does some work on a computer after telling The Gleaner about his daily struggles of studying and trying to eke out a living.-PHOTO BY LAUNTIA CUFF
22-y-o tackles challenges head-on Launtia Cuff, Gleaner Writer
SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth:FOR MANY, it is easy to use adverse situations as an excuse for being unable to succeed; but not 22-year-old Sanjae Durrant, who has overcome many obstacles in his life.
He now balances work and pursuing a university degree with a view to a better life for himself and his mother, who raised him on her own for most of his life.
"It was pretty difficult for mom because she had to work and take care of me. I remember living in this one-bedroom [dwelling]. It wasn't much. We had to sleep on blocks and cardboard. She wasn't rich, and sometimes we had to go by the neighbours to watch TV because we did not have a TV at that time."
Durrant said his father's absence from his life not only placed a financial strain on his mother, but also affected him psychologically. He remembers high school being a very troubled time. He even remembers a time when he harboured suicidal thoughts.
MEETING DAD
He met his father for the first time at age seven and does not recall seeing him again until 13 years later.
"I somehow had his number then, and I decided I wanted to see him, so I called him. I saw him, and I never had to ask what he looked like because he looked like me. I just ran and I hugged him, and he hugged me," Durrant said.
All was not well just yet as they continued to have an uphill relationship. Just as father and son seemed to be making progress, Durrant's father, who was a police officer, was killed while off duty late last year. He still remembers their last conversation.
"I spoke with him the Thursday, and I can remember his last words to me were, 'I love you, son' and I remember telling him that I loved him back. To hear your dad tell you he loves you so many years after not having him in your life, words are not sufficient to express how I felt. He died the following Monday," he said.
STRUGGLE INTENSIFIES
Shortly after his father's death, Durrant's mother lost her job, leaving him concerned not only about paying his university tuition, but having to ensure that he provided for both of them, which included taking care of his mother's medical expenses as she had been sick for some time.
"Mom lost her job after dad died. I have to pay the rent, bills, help mom take care of her medical expenses. I have to always ensure that food is in the house because mom has to take her pills. I have seen God come through for me in all this," Durrant said.
He said in addition to there being an individual who has always helped him with his schooling, one of his uncles stepped up after his father's death and offered to assist whenever he could, but Durrant says he tries not to take advantage of this.
"I don't take advantage of the situation. If there is a month I see that I can go through without calling him and asking him for anything, I don't," Durrant said.
There are days, he says, he cannot afford to purchase food at school, but he does not allow that to deter him from his dreams, and despite the many challenges, people are unaware of the situation because through it all, he manages to remain jovial and keeps in mind that God has a better plan for him.
rural@gleanerjm.com
