I met Jaime at his apartment and I was very surprised when I met him, because for one reason or another I expected him to be a student closer to my age. Jaime is a 75 year-old Angolan man that lives in Portugal and is a very accomplished lawyer and businessman. I took Jaime to Proof to have a couple beers and I learned that the sole reason for Jaime being here is to study English because he has always wanted to do so; his only motivation seems to be internal and he expressed to me that he wants to be an example for his children, to show them that they can continue learning and accomplishing new things well into their old age. Jaime's story inspired me and made me think of all of the older people in our country that retire and slowly stagnate into their older years, waiting for the end instead of filling every moment that they have with meaningful living. Jaime often has to pause for extended periods of time to say what he wants to in English, though most of what he cared to communicate was able to be understood. There were a couple occasions when I had to speak Portuguese with him to explain a concept, like the difference between tipping at a bar and tipping at a restaurant, or to clarify something that he had said, but he is determined to learn English. Jaime loves beer and jazz music, and so do I; I think we're going to be friends.
*I was never able to get back in touch with Jaime, so I guess I thought wrong!
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