MCC welding student overcomes challenges to pursue American dream
MARSHALLTOWN – Tertus Farrell will graduate from Marshalltown Community College (MCC) this year with a diploma in welding. But Farrell’s journey to get here has been anything but ordinary.
Born in the Central African Republic, Farrell was just two years old when his mother passed away. He and his eight siblings were raised by their grandmother and father until war struck the region. He suffered another loss when at nine his father passed away as well. He was then raised by his grandmother and extended family until her passing.
While out trying to find food with his aunt, the family suffered further loss when the home he and his family were staying in was set on fire during the conflict. His aunt and brother had to jump from the home while bullets were being fired at them. After narrowly escaping, they met up with Farrell and his aunt.
After spending nine months in the forest, Farrell and his brother were eventually taken in by an orphanage run by an American man named “Dad” Carter (Strand). It was there that Farrell met Tina and Mathew, a couple from the United States who were looking to adopt.
“They came and met us in Africa where the orphanage was,” Farrell said. “Asked if we wanted to join their family ‘Heck yeah’”.
The adoption process was not without its challenges. Farrell’s extended family in Africa objected to the adoption, despite having had little contact with the boys’ prior.
“Always problems,” Farrell said. “We had distant family that didn’t visit us or come to the funerals but as soon as we were going to be adopted, they complain that they want money. Tina and Mathew said they wouldn’t pay them. It was an adoption, not selling us. We weren’t even sure they were our family”.
Despite the hurdles, Farrell and his brother were eventually adopted by Tina and Mathew and came to live in the United States. Arriving at the age of 13, Farrell faced the challenge of learning a new language and culture. Already fluent in three other languages, English was still a struggle for Farrell to learn.
“The hardest language has been English,” Farrell said. “We didn’t know any English. We had to communicate through writing and then translate into French for us or pointing at objects. School helped too. Mom put the fire under our butts. Made us write sentences all the time. Now I wish she had made us write more.”
The day that Farrell and his family first arrived in State Center, IA was the 4th of July. “It was our birth in America! It was the first time I saw fireworks. At first it was scary because it sounded so much like the gunfire, I had left in Africa but now I enjoy it.”
The challenges for Farrell changed but he continued to deal with them. After his 7th grade year in State Center, his family moved to Texas. Just months in their move the family faced a hurricane and three floods.
Farrell’s perseverance paid off, and he was able to graduate from high school. From Texas, he heard about the welding program at MCC. Farrell had had an interest in welding since he was in 8th grade and that stayed with him. “Dad Carter told me about MCC. I was able to receive scholarships that covered everything but my books.”
Farrell has thrived in the welding program and has enjoyed his time at MCC. “I don’t know where to begin. I have learned so much it’s hard to put into words. The school has helped me find scholarships to meet my financial needs. The instructors are awesome and make things easier. He takes the time to make sure I understand. He goes above what he needs to do to make sure I learn it.”
“I’m looking forward to graduating this year and starting my career as a welder,” Farrell said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given here in America”.
Farrell’s story is one of resilience and determination. He has overcome a difficult childhood to achieve his dream of becoming a welder. MCC is proud to have him as a student and looks forward to seeing him succeed in his chosen career.