Answer:
To me this old saying means that you don't get to redo your first impression to someone.
Explanation:
For example, if you are nice to someone the first time you meet them then they will know you are a generally nice person who is in a good mood. But, if you are rude, snobby, or tell someone off when you first meet them then they will think you are a bad person and won't want to be around you.
Alienation and loneliness?
The lost boys were refugees from Sudan who tried to seek safty and freedom. They were forced to move to the US because of their safety, they were not safe where they lived due to their government and place. However, people reminded them who they were and what their religion and belief were.
