Introduction
Our journey through life often takes unexpected turns, and the stories of those we once called 'bullies' can be quite revealing. This article tells the story of a class bully who transformed into a successful businessman, only to meet a tragic end. By examining his journey, we can learn about resilience and the impact of choices made in life.
From Bully to Achiever
High school was never kind to me. I was one of the drama and music nerds, always hearing stories about how my class bully was going to leave for Air Cadets and then into Royal Military College (RMC) for the Canadian Air Force. To our surprise, he didn't achieve that. Instead, it was heard that he had died in a 'training accident'. At the time, it seemed justice had been served. Little did I know he had a better future ahead.
Looking back, it's clear that the story of his transformation into a successful business owner is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the discouragement from his parents and the low expectations set by his poor grades, he managed to turn his life around. While I regret not pursuing higher education, his journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
Background and Family Circumstances
We came from the same small farming village. Our parents didn't have much; they only had a few acres of land, which they inherited and had to divide among siblings. To support us through college, they struggled immensely. They took out loans, sold livestock, and anything else that could grow on the farm. My path to law school was a burden and a sacrifice for my family, and I still view it with regret. He, on the other hand, didn't have the same advantages and faced limited options.
With his grades, his parents didn't see the value in spending so much on college fees when his siblings might have succeeded in higher education. His options were stark: either become a small-scale farmer or move to the city for manual labor. He chose the latter, moving to Mombasa, the largest coastal city in Kenya, where he secured odd jobs as a construction worker before opening a small shop.
Business Success and Admiration
He had a knack for running businesses. His eldest sister had a successful pub, butchery, and restaurant business, and he was asked to help manage it. Cottage industries thrived, and his efforts paid off. The business boomed, and he began his own pork butchery and restaurant venture, which expanded over two years to include two new branches. His street-smarts and strategic thinking had heightened his business acumen, leading to his success without formal education.
I reconnected with him via Facebook and suggested we meet for a few beers. The first meeting was met with an unexpected challenge as his friend attempted to hit on my girlfriend. I continued meeting him several times a year, growing more impressed with his accomplishments. By 2019, he had two small pig farms, two businesses, two personal vehicles, and a nice residential house. He even had plans to construct a three-story commercial building. His transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
Tragic End and Legacy
His success in business didn't last. His businesses were run into the ground due to mismanagement, and disputes over his will were ongoing. On August 14, 2020, my former bully and friend tragically died in a self-involved traffic accident. It's been four years since, and I can't shake off the feeling that I lost a friend and a man I came to admire for his resilience.
While his businesses face challenges, his story continues to inspire me. His journey shows that even the hardest of times can be overcome with hard work and determination. Though his end was tragic, the legacy of his success lives on. May he rest in peace, and his story continue to inspire others.