I was 13.
Yohannes Kahsay started smoking as a boy who simply wanted to belong. Fifty years later he is still trying to quit, and he is telling his story so that no young person in our community has to learn the same lesson the hard way.
A boy who wanted to belong
I was born in Senafe, Eritrea. When I was two years old my father moved to Ethiopia looking for a better life, and we settled in Chifa Woledi near Dessie, where many Eritrean families lived. Later we moved to Addis Ababa, where I spent most of my childhood.
When I was around 13 I spent most of my time outside the house. I did not really know what my own interests were, so I was easily influenced by the people around me. One of my biggest influences was a neighbor about three years older than me. I admired him and I wanted to be like him. He smoked cigarettes and chewed khat, and before long I was doing the same. Whatever he asked me to do, I did.
Looking back, I realize I was not making my own choices. I was simply trying to fit in.
The cost of fitting in
My father saw what was happening and tried to stop me. He warned me about the consequences and even asked the neighbor's family to move out of his property. They rented another house nearby, and we kept spending time together.
Eventually my father felt he had lost control of me. When I was 17 he asked me to leave home. I spent much of my time on the streets or staying with friends, continuing the same unhealthy lifestyle. Later I returned home, but things were never the same. I dropped out of regular school, attended evening classes, and scored too low on the national university entrance exam to continue my education. It took me many years to realize how much those choices were affecting my future.
Fifty years later
I am 63 now, so I have been smoking for about 50 years. It has affected me mentally, physically, and financially. It made me anxious, restless, and easily irritated, and it damaged my relationships with other people.
Today I worry most about my health. My lungs have been badly affected and I am going through medical tests because of serious concerns. I often feel weak and tired. Smoking has also cost me a lot of money over the years and limited my ability to work and improve my situation.
Six friends and a plan
About 30 years ago, six of my friends and I decided we wanted to quit. We made a plan to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes we smoked each day instead of stopping all at once. Four of them succeeded and never smoked again. Another friend and I could not. I felt trapped by the addiction and eventually went back to smoking.
Still trying, still hoping
Three years ago I tried medication to help me quit, but I had an allergic reaction and had to stop taking it. Even so, I have not lost hope. I keep working to reduce the number of cigarettes I smoke each day.
Before this interview I had never shared my smoking journey with any organization. I appreciate that EECRC is creating space for people like me to talk openly about commercial tobacco and get support without being judged.
I believe it is never too late to make a positive change.
What I want young people to know
I started smoking because I wanted to fit in. At the time it seemed harmless, but it became one of the biggest regrets of my life. It affected my health, my education, my family relationships, and my future.
Young people today have more information than we did, but tobacco companies have also become more creative. Flavored products are especially attractive to young people and they can hide the smell of smoking, which makes it easier for parents to miss the warning signs.
One decision made to fit in can affect the rest of your life.
My advice is simple. Do not start. And parents, please talk openly with your children about commercial tobacco before it is too late.
A community that protects its own
I hope our community comes together to prevent commercial tobacco use and to support the people who want to quit. I encourage young people, parents, and community members to take part in EECRC's workshops and outreach activities. With education, open conversations, and culturally responsive support, I believe we can protect the next generation from making the same mistakes I made.
Shared with permission. Yohannes Kahsay took part in EECRC's community storytelling project and signed a media release authorizing the use of his name, photograph, and story. If you or someone you love is ready to quit, free and confidential help is available in multiple languages through the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
