An Incredible Story of Courage and Resolve
By Nawab Ali Rahoo
Hyderabad, Pakistan
In 2016,when I was pursuing my graduate studies at the USA through USAID Master’s of Education Scholarship Program (MESP)I received a message through the Facebook inbox, asking me whether I was free or not. Luckily, I was free at that time and we engaged in a chat. He reminded me that we were Facebook friends for the last two years but had not had any communication earlier.
He had some queries. “Can anyone pursue university education without having finance or resources?”, he asked curiously. I responded affirmatively. He suddenly replied that there is no provision of scholarships at the university he intends to get admission, nor he has an outstanding educational record so he cannot win any financial favor. Even then is it possible? Again, I replied yes. He promptly sent me different smileys reflecting his emotions, e.g., happy, worried, and great.
Continuing the chat, he further asked how could he do that? Before replying to his question directly, I tried to know about his father, family, resources, background, enthusiasm, and his journey to complete his intermediate education that is equal to high schooling in the USA. He narrated a heart-touching tale. He told me that his father is a TV mechanic – a not so money-making profession which is fading fast from the market.
To assist his family and studies, he works at a shop located in his neighborhood. He earns rupees fifty per day roughly equal to half a dollar. His mother is a housewife, his sister is married, and he is the only son of his parents.
Passing through such a tough and tight situation, he had managed to complete his intermediate education. He belonged to the underprivileged segment of the community and financially weak but strong in intentions, eagerness, and keenness.
Seeing his curiosity, I comforted him by saying that nothing is difficult to a willing mind and gave him a signal to go ahead. I reiterated that, hopefully, financial obstacles and a dearth of resources will not stop you from seeking higher education.
Soon after, he appeared in the university entry test – a test mandatory to qualify for admission to the university. His fellows, friends, acquaintances - no one was expecting that a daily wager and deprived teenager would qualify the test. Not even his parents! Against all odds, he secured the required marks. This success instilled a new ray of hope and built a better image of him. Soon after, he received an admission letter, and fortuitously his father got money and provided him the admission fee.
He contacted me again via messenger and informed me that his father had only that money, hence, he would not be able to afford more. Neither I’ve accommodation nor maintenance expenses. He showed his concern.
No problem, I said. Let me know when you are coming to Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan (the city where I’m residing and is 16 km away from the university). Talking on the cell phone I could look inside him and feel the distressing situation he was going through. I counseled him telling that the first step towards the journey is always hard. Don’t worry! You’ve successfully taken some important steps towards your destiny. I continued motivating him. I encouragingly told him that God helps those who help themselves and you’re a living example of it.
He arrived in the city before his classes started. I called my wife and directed her to extend financial support to him. With the beginning of classes, his new life at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro commenced as well.
Difficulties in studies, financial constraints, homesickness, a series of both good and bad experiences were part of his journey. He sought admission to the social work department. The field has fewer job opportunities in our province as well as the country. Being a career counselor, I directed him to change the field of study, nonetheless, it was difficult to grab but he managed to get zoology subject.
He had hardly spent some months in the nearby university before the problem of housing arose. Later, he shifted to Hyderabad city in a joint housing. Every passing day was bringing new challenges to him and finance was the foremost amongst all.
I met him the first time when I was back home during my summer vacation. I listened to him and tried to keep his motivation intact. I arranged tuitions for him and approached a philanthropist who agreed to contribute a partial amount for his studies which hardly continued for one year. The expenses were high, the income was less. Tuitions were seasonal or for a shorter period, hence, efforts were directed to create more resources as the forthcoming semester fees and routine expenditures were pending. Though this phase was not easy, my family and I vowed to facilitate him as much as we could. The clouds of frustration and crises were hanging over his head.
After the completion of my education, I was back. Now, we had tête-à-têtes frequently. Keeping his self-respect, honor, and dignity in view tried to generate income for him. In case of deficit or acute shortage, we did not leave him unattended. With the passage of time, I found that an intelligent youth with empty hands could not save himself falling into the negative influences of the society; resultantly, he developed a sense of despondency.
This was the most crucial stage because he was just at the doorstep of his goal. He was in the final year. His semester result could make or mar him. Fear and frustration engulfed him; observed mostly in thinking and collecting the names of seniors as to know whether they have got jobs or not.
Realizing my role and responsibility, I planned a daily walk with him and his room partner. Most often we both used to walk and sometimes along with his partner – all three used to walk and had discussions. I dug him deeply. Utilizing my experience and exposure, I responded to his relevant, irrelevant, and extraneous questions intending to restore his confidence and exterminating his anxiety and distress. Needlessly, he submerged in melancholy and developed despair.
I tried to make him recall his old days, days of suffering, and destitution. How many people around you have plucked up such courage? I made him realize his strengths, efforts, determination, and accomplishments. I told him assertively that you’re on the verge of getting a degree, could you please look back and imagine was it possible for you?
I asked him if in his wildest dreams he could have thought of completing your higher education. No, not at all, he said. I tried to cheer him up by telling him that today you stand as the man who braved the storm and accomplished his dream. This strengthened him and made him change his outlook on life.
It’s a cloudy evening with a gentle breeze. As usual, we are on the walk. He seems very happy. His unstopped laughter is the vivid signal of his cheerfulness. What’s new? Did you win a lottery? Of course! Not less than a lottery. I’m a graduate now. He informed me that his CGPA is 3.5 out of 4.0. I reciprocally extended him the warmest felicitations.
Your efforts are commendable. Your success is our success. We are equally happy as your parents are. You know the fruit of our own planted plant is very sweet and cherished. Let’s have a treat from my side. While coming back from the walk, we uncovered the pages of the past and asked him, what made you approach me?
A Facebook post of mine inspired him, he informed. He quoted it, “To be a son of a peasant is far better than to be a son of a feudal/landlord. I will tell you the ways and means to achieve your targets, the hardworking is yours”. The day he read it he became my Facebook friend and the rest is our joint journey.
A new phase of life has just begun, the more challenging that is to be empowered and employed. No worries! He is not empty-handed now. He holds a graduate degree in Zoology – a license to earn. Hopefully, his days of destitution are over.
Good luck to him for his future endeavors.
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