Because with every new year we should have renewed optimism, I thought I would talk about a very inspiring movie I just saw about a man who left his native Afghanistan and found a new life in San Jose. Khaled Hosseini, the bestselling author of the book “The Kite Runner,” made his way by receiving political asylum in San Jose, first going to Independence High School and then finishing his college degree at Santa Clara University. He is surely one of the most talented writers and graduates in our area, yet I am sure when he was here as a refugee, he wasn’t always treated as if he would one day be a world-class writer with two movies optioned from his books. Now that I know his beginnings, I wonder about what his experiences here must have been like.
In the movie, the main character, Amir, leaves Afghanistan with his father in the midst of the Soviet invasion in 1978 and takes asylum in Fremont, California (which I never knew was one of the largest enclaves of Afghan people in this country). They make their way partially by selling goods at a flea market there. In real life, Hosseini and his family sold goods at the San Jose Flea Market, allowing them to make enough money to support the developing young writer, which, for me, adds a human element to all of the discussion and debate about the closure of the flea market. It made me realize another very human side of the fact that the flea market served as a starting point for a family that was in a new land just trying to get by. That point really came to life for me after seeing the movie.
The author’s life was forever changed by moving to San Jose and starting a new life with his family, and I think it is the perfect message to start with in 2008. Here is a story that reminds you that people leave their home countries every day to begin lives anew in San Jose and Silicon Valley because you can reach your highest goals here. I think that we should hold tight to that message—even if you were born here—that this is still a place where you can change and become your best self and do anything you set your mind to: the American dream perhaps. So here is to being filled with optimism about what can be achieved in San Jose in 2008!
SG- I haven’t seen this movie yet, but after your review, I’ll make sure I do. While I do admire people who brave difficulties to come here, I also believe it is about the human spirit, and family support. If you have a family that loves and supports you from a young age, there isn’t much you can’t do, even if you’re as poor as church mice.
I went to college in my late twenties, early thirties, and I can tell you I’ve met some incredible women who changed their lives for the better. Many worked hard to better themselves for their children, and to get off Welfare. I was humbled by their stories. They surpassed many difficulties everyday to attend class, and in some cases, had physical difficulties that would have beat any one down.
I watched many of them cry through divorces, deaths, births, financial difficulties, only to stand proudly in their cap and gowns beaming with pride. I’ll tell you, I just love the human spirit. When you love yourself, and know you are valuable, there’s nothing you can’t do~