“Everything happens for a reason
and without hard time, how would we ever realize our true strength? It’s only
through a time of suffering when we realize how strong we truly are inside,
when we realize how much we can actually put up with and deal with before we
eventually break.”
and without hard time, how would we ever realize our true strength? It’s only
through a time of suffering when we realize how strong we truly are inside,
when we realize how much we can actually put up with and deal with before we
eventually break.”
I remember one of the most common
quotes of my primary school age, “No pain, no gain,” which my little brain
would never understand literally. However, I always envisioned how it would
reveal its true meaning unto me – rather my personal experience would prove. It
is meaningless or even worthless to picture ourselves in those situations not
as long as we encounter just about they truly are meant.
quotes of my primary school age, “No pain, no gain,” which my little brain
would never understand literally. However, I always envisioned how it would
reveal its true meaning unto me – rather my personal experience would prove. It
is meaningless or even worthless to picture ourselves in those situations not
as long as we encounter just about they truly are meant.
Kabul Time: And
this quote happens to shaping my destiny only when I took on the challenge to
leave back my sweet family, kith and kin, intelligent companions, comfortable
social circle and youth luxuries in the pursuit of better tomorrow. There was
no looking back, had this I in my mind and Good God did I have some real hard
times during one and half years in Kabul (2007 – early 2009). Had I skepticisms
about my patience to live longer in Kabul or surrender before my fears. By all
means I programmed myself to always stand still to avoid mourning five to ten
years later rather whisper to myself, “at least I did try”.
this quote happens to shaping my destiny only when I took on the challenge to
leave back my sweet family, kith and kin, intelligent companions, comfortable
social circle and youth luxuries in the pursuit of better tomorrow. There was
no looking back, had this I in my mind and Good God did I have some real hard
times during one and half years in Kabul (2007 – early 2009). Had I skepticisms
about my patience to live longer in Kabul or surrender before my fears. By all
means I programmed myself to always stand still to avoid mourning five to ten
years later rather whisper to myself, “at least I did try”.
Academically, I managed to work
on my English writing skills with poetry, articles, and life experiences; hence, I passed the institutional TOEFL test at American University of
Afghanistan (AUAF). Fate would have favored me had I found reputable job in
Kabul. Probably, I was made for something else and was never destined to AUAF.
Socially, I had my evolving period with all my social activities at Ufuq
Welfare Society’s educational, socio-cultural activities and surely living with
people from different mind-sets but do I admit each one offered me humble
respect, embraced me with gentleness and generous warmth which I had to repay
with my extracurricular activities. For instance, Special English Classes,
helping them prepare Newsletter, establishing library to promote book-reading
culture, weekly conferences were the least I could offer them; however, had to
play my part for what we had aspired, “better lives for all”, not to sound
over-optimistic but we had to put our bricks.
on my English writing skills with poetry, articles, and life experiences; hence, I passed the institutional TOEFL test at American University of
Afghanistan (AUAF). Fate would have favored me had I found reputable job in
Kabul. Probably, I was made for something else and was never destined to AUAF.
Socially, I had my evolving period with all my social activities at Ufuq
Welfare Society’s educational, socio-cultural activities and surely living with
people from different mind-sets but do I admit each one offered me humble
respect, embraced me with gentleness and generous warmth which I had to repay
with my extracurricular activities. For instance, Special English Classes,
helping them prepare Newsletter, establishing library to promote book-reading
culture, weekly conferences were the least I could offer them; however, had to
play my part for what we had aspired, “better lives for all”, not to sound
over-optimistic but we had to put our bricks.
The learning moments I enjoyed
the most were at Immersion Camp of American Council and Weekly Peace workshop
with Professor Umberto Angelucci who constantly counseled me to grow
unconditional affection for people starting with myself first.
the most were at Immersion Camp of American Council and Weekly Peace workshop
with Professor Umberto Angelucci who constantly counseled me to grow
unconditional affection for people starting with myself first.
Probably it was my fate to work
in the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Ecotourism Program. And to share it job
experience with tourism contributed greatly with my rebirth as I began to know
who we (Hazaras) are, have managed to survive over the ages withstanding all
natural and human catastrophe. Let me confess, I never knew Hazaras shared the
same race with the Turkish, Koreans, Mongols having identical childhood marks
on thigh back, similar ankle and facial features and a lot more. Most of all my
pride of being Hazara had been shallow but in Ecotourism it endowed profound
meaning to me about my true identity _ finally I found myself!
in the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Ecotourism Program. And to share it job
experience with tourism contributed greatly with my rebirth as I began to know
who we (Hazaras) are, have managed to survive over the ages withstanding all
natural and human catastrophe. Let me confess, I never knew Hazaras shared the
same race with the Turkish, Koreans, Mongols having identical childhood marks
on thigh back, similar ankle and facial features and a lot more. Most of all my
pride of being Hazara had been shallow but in Ecotourism it endowed profound
meaning to me about my true identity _ finally I found myself!
Bamyan Tourism Program activities
including festivals, trainings, meeting; my colleagues, “Ustad Foladi, Khaliq
Bamyani, Reza Mohammadi” helped me learn better about our history, struggles
and all the cultural-historical heritage we were granted; Syed Mehdi, Gul
Hussain and Abdullah were entertaining companions at bad and lonely times. I
did not restrict my friendship circle unlike Kabul where I was rather cynical
and particular who I would interact to and to what extent.
including festivals, trainings, meeting; my colleagues, “Ustad Foladi, Khaliq
Bamyani, Reza Mohammadi” helped me learn better about our history, struggles
and all the cultural-historical heritage we were granted; Syed Mehdi, Gul
Hussain and Abdullah were entertaining companions at bad and lonely times. I
did not restrict my friendship circle unlike Kabul where I was rather cynical
and particular who I would interact to and to what extent.
Supposedly, people in my social
circle have looked up-to me in many ways which I thought doubled my
responsibility to be socially and humanly better person with myself and with
them. God, I get motivation using my strengths to the maximum in writing, web-logging,
photography, social-events organizing, voluntary/ community works and
participation in Civil Society activities. Never, I thought would be good at all
these stuff and had been at such east and normal at several occasions that I
was skeptical about – not underestimating but had mere reluctance, you know?
circle have looked up-to me in many ways which I thought doubled my
responsibility to be socially and humanly better person with myself and with
them. God, I get motivation using my strengths to the maximum in writing, web-logging,
photography, social-events organizing, voluntary/ community works and
participation in Civil Society activities. Never, I thought would be good at all
these stuff and had been at such east and normal at several occasions that I
was skeptical about – not underestimating but had mere reluctance, you know?
During all the times of joy,
struggle and ordeals I never stepped aside from what I had aspired _ find a way
to further academic improvement or career-scope only to extinguish my thirst
for education and pride for what I believed I need to give to myself – probably
the least! Thankfully, luck favored me this time no matter how inflicted I felt
at times, I had the vision; thereof, managed to get my high school certificate,
passport; study though not very hard to avail my IELTS; write motivation
letters and apply for every scholarship suited to my expertise and interest;
however, all in vain when I was refused for Visa by Australian Immigration
after my third attempt having undergone visa processing, health examination
each time and spending handsome resources (time, energy, money etc.). During
all this I think I never let my professional demands and family balance down.
struggle and ordeals I never stepped aside from what I had aspired _ find a way
to further academic improvement or career-scope only to extinguish my thirst
for education and pride for what I believed I need to give to myself – probably
the least! Thankfully, luck favored me this time no matter how inflicted I felt
at times, I had the vision; thereof, managed to get my high school certificate,
passport; study though not very hard to avail my IELTS; write motivation
letters and apply for every scholarship suited to my expertise and interest;
however, all in vain when I was refused for Visa by Australian Immigration
after my third attempt having undergone visa processing, health examination
each time and spending handsome resources (time, energy, money etc.). During
all this I think I never let my professional demands and family balance down.
I could have done better at AKF
in both departments (Ecotourism and ERLU) and could have done much more
sacrifices for my family and my princess who believes I am a present from God
to her, not to exaggerate. However, have no regrets with what and how I did
with my profession and family but only that I could have read more books which
I admit of my negligence and tiredness not laziness due to work-load I put on
myself, but I did have pleasure with my work, you know? I credit myself for one
single thing if not for millions from my six and half years that Jawad, “It was
you who initiated it all.”
in both departments (Ecotourism and ERLU) and could have done much more
sacrifices for my family and my princess who believes I am a present from God
to her, not to exaggerate. However, have no regrets with what and how I did
with my profession and family but only that I could have read more books which
I admit of my negligence and tiredness not laziness due to work-load I put on
myself, but I did have pleasure with my work, you know? I credit myself for one
single thing if not for millions from my six and half years that Jawad, “It was
you who initiated it all.”
Suffice it to say, I earned
everything with support, forgiveness and kindness of all my friends, companions
and colleagues who may have had even tiny contribution in scale but a world in
truth.
everything with support, forgiveness and kindness of all my friends, companions
and colleagues who may have had even tiny contribution in scale but a world in
truth.
What next:
 |
| Prior to flight from Bamyan |
I left Afghanistan and my land
(Hazarajat) towards Malaysia with big heart and aim in head_ do what I have
always aspired to achieve facing all the odds boldly. I have undertaken another
exertion with my study underway, financially credible job searching and giving
the best of my ability to get family reunion with my life-partner sooner than
soon and continue my intellectual and personal growth practices and efforts. I
know surely enough there are set-obstacles which I either retaliate making my
way through success, joy and glory or lay my strengths down to let everyone down,
but do I accept the later. However, each time I need to adopt one mode, “Stay
positive” at both hard and good times and let the rest upon the Creator, the
Omni-Potent and the Almighty Allah.
(Hazarajat) towards Malaysia with big heart and aim in head_ do what I have
always aspired to achieve facing all the odds boldly. I have undertaken another
exertion with my study underway, financially credible job searching and giving
the best of my ability to get family reunion with my life-partner sooner than
soon and continue my intellectual and personal growth practices and efforts. I
know surely enough there are set-obstacles which I either retaliate making my
way through success, joy and glory or lay my strengths down to let everyone down,
but do I accept the later. However, each time I need to adopt one mode, “Stay
positive” at both hard and good times and let the rest upon the Creator, the
Omni-Potent and the Almighty Allah.
Jawad Jahid
