By Lul Gatkuoth Gatluak,
December 30, 2021 – The best gift one had gotten this festive season and decided to review and analyze is “ I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream” a self-reveal story book written by Nyajuok Tongyik Doluony, who is a retired United States Army Veteran, Nurse, Financial Advisor; Entrepreneur, Mom, Inspirational Speaker; but most importantly, the author of “ I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream.” Oh my, what a gracious seasonal ending with one getting a time to read (IMMWD)! Nyajuok, you are indeed inspirational! Having a gut to divulge all your life stories in this book, indicates that you are truly a genius and catalyst. Throughout the text, you spoke in written words courageously, and your narrative captured readers’ attention from start to finish as you eloquently disclosed the trails, tribulations and triumphs you underwent during the course of your adolescent life. As one dived deep reading between the lines in “IMMWD”, one have discovered that, the contents in the text are also contain stories of love, forgiveness, self-discovery, finding strength in the era of hardships, and promulgate how a young girl can push forth and not be held back by her adversities.
Profoundly, “IMMWD” is composed and organized into nine chapters, forty-nine sub-chapters and a great magnificent interior whitespace layout which helps readers to navigate between paragraphs and lines. In fact, Nyajuok has enthusiastically galvanized and captivated our plight and wandering during our time of despair as helpless refugees from the war torn Sudan; surviving from the goodwill of the United Nations. She pinpointed our search for asylum as we were scattered all over the world looking for safe places to stay but many of us did not make it to those promised safe places because they died along the road despite all kinds of earthly tribulations. The rest were stranded in refugee camps for decades due to an elongated war of liberation and the rekindled aimless self-inflicted civil war in South Sudan. Below is a succinct analysis of the main themes Nyajuok believes are holding us back from progressing like other world societies.
Initially, the preface in “I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream” is introducing Nyajuok as a South Sudanese native. It addresses how Nyajuok and her family immigrated from Africa to the United States. It also covered how Nyajuok spoke out about South Sudanese cultural practices, which she deemed unnecessary, especially, how girls as young as 14 years of age can be forced to arrange marriage by their parents. Furthermore, the preceding stipulate how Nyajuok feel disgusted by the level of domestic violence, women oppression by men and above all, how girls are excluded and deprived from acquired educational opportunity simply because their uncles and brothers are treating them as objects that are awaited to be sold for profits.
In chapter one, Nyajuok talked about her and her sibling births, upbringing, and the meaning of their names and how the war forced the family to relocate from Thoch to Itang and Dimma refugee camps. In Dimma, Nyajuok began to enjoy childhood adventures and does not worry about anything even though they do not have enough necessities in their residence. She learned everything her mother taught her around the age of 8 and 10 including collection of firewood, making a fire by rubbing sticks, kindling the fire and cooking the meal in a burning pot. Beside house chores, Nyajuok had also started her basic education journey in village 4 in Dimma refugee camp, learning both English and Thok Naath and that taste of education began to trigger Nyajuok’s passion for education.
In chapter two, Nyajuok spoke about a new beginning in America, which she termed as “Fresh off the Boat” a phrase she defined as, a term African used in their community for someone who has recently arrived in the Western world, specifically in the United States of America. The arrival to America according to Nyabuok, brought fulfillment of life expectations as well as surprises from the beauty of the United States cities especially Rochester New York where the family were destined and availability of everything started from human body care products, clothing, food and many more including making new friends at school and learning how to speak English. The joy of the new world could not fade away even when the family decided to move to the Midwest.
Then in Chapter three and four, Nyajuok talked about finding herself involved in an arranged marriage after the family had moved to Omaha Nebraska. Due to her love for education, Nyajuok chose to pursue education instead. In chapter Five, six and seven, Nyajuok talks about her plans to join the United States army following her elder brother’s footsteps. She kept the decision of joining the army secret and later revealed it to her brother who she was silent to keep it secret as well.
After she graduated from nursing school, Nyajuok told her parents she had gotten a federal job, instead, Nyajuok was going for her first duty station at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as a soldier who later was deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months, and return to continue working as an army nurse in the United States until her retirement from the active duty on June 29, 2020. Also in these three chapters, Nyajuok talks about her relationship with some individuals including issues with dowries.
In chapter eight, Nyajuok talks about how young South Sudanese break their silence on issues which affect them enormously. She became grateful that the younger generation learned to know their rights and talk openly without fear of cultural practice. Finally in chapter nine, Nyajuok reflects on the life in Dimma refugee camp and how someone had reminded her about her pictures taken when she was too young in the camp. Nyajuok had also talked about the debt she accumulated during her school years and how she was determined to pay off $87,000:00 in 2020.
In the last words, Nyajuok reminds the readers that, “her story is not just a story of struggle. Instead, it is a story of faith, hope and resilience, plus how God protected her in her lifespan.” Moreover, Nyajuok encourages us to know, “where we came from does not have to determine where we are going; to her, what matters the most in life is the choice we choose.” She wants us not to be afraid to dream big for the reason that people became who they are, based on what they think.
To conclude my review and analysis on “I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream” one could not miss to thank Nyajuok Tongyik for her bravery and having the guts to divulge her personal life. When Nyajuok launched “IMMWD” on Facebook, I heard her saying the book is so informative. I also heard the same phrase from multiple reviewers. After I read the text entirely, I realize education does indeed change people. It could change the way we think, behave and the way we do things. We came from a very secretive society where family affairs are kept within. The fact that we live in an open society (America) , our attitudes, perceptions and the way we do things, will not remain the same; particularly the Nyajuok generation who save as the bridge between our community and our host community. Their generation is well vested in both cultures. They fully understand our heritage as well as Americans. If we could make a difference as a community in this country, they could be on the forefront, especially, if we could do anything about our children who are born here in America. The Nyajuok generation understand them and us better.
Last but not least, I recommend “I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream” to all people who haven’t had a chance to read it, you will be glad you have. If you question like, what will you expect to get out of the book? Definitely, you will learn self-worth and perseverance especially when you are a minor like Nyajuok was. Nyajuok broke all the odds. She can’t bow when things are not right, no matter who you are, whether you are a parent, a life partner or anybody. Nyajuok could bow to you only when you value her perspectives on issues at hand and this characteristic shows her intellectuality. In reality, success start from self-achievements and this is what Nyajuok want us to grasp in “IMMWD.” I encourage those who will read this review to please purchase the copy of “I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream” the text is worth reading. In many ways, you will see yourself having gone through similar trails, tribulations and triumph like Nyajuok. May God continue to use Nyajuok Tongyik Doluony by allowing her to break more varies and glass ceilings as she puts herself on the forefront to strive for what is good for her and others.
Very Respectively,
Lul Gatkuoth Gatluak
Lul can be reach at lulgatluak09@gmail.com or lgatluak01@hamline.edu
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