Sometimes when I pause and look back at the last few years of my life, it feels like I have lived many seasons within a short span of time. There were days filled with uncertainty, nights of exhaustion, and moments when I questioned my own strength. Yet somehow, each step led me forward.Nearly five years ago, during the difficult days of COVID-19, my husband lost his job at that time. Alhamdulillah, the responsibility of the household was not as overwhelming as it could have been, because other family members were supportive with major expenses. Still, that phase gave me a new sense of responsibility. I felt that I should also stand beside my husband and contribute in whatever way I could, even if it meant helping with smaller personal expenses or finding ways to support the family.Soon after, my husband managed to find another job again. In that period, his belief in me became one of my greatest sources of motivation. He often encouraged me to continue my education and believed that pursuing higher studies would strengthen my career and could become important for the future. With his encouragement and support, I finally took the step to enroll in my MPhil program.At that time my elder son was only three years old, and my younger child was still very small. Alongside all this, I had started my MPhil journey — a dream I deeply wished to complete.Those days demanded patience and strength.I remember nights when sleep felt like a luxury. I would sit with my research work while holding my little son in my lap. Sometimes I taught online, sometimes I gave tuitions just to support the household expenses. My days were divided between motherhood, studies, and work, and many times I felt completely exhausted.There were moments when I would worry about my studies and think, “Why did I take admission in such an expensive MPhil program? How will I ever complete it when finances are already tight?”My mother and my mother-in-law became my greatest support. They lovingly helped with the children so that I could continue studying and working. Their presence gave me the courage to keep moving forward even when I felt tired and overwhelmed.Then came another unexpected blessing. When I worried most about the expenses of my studies, Allah opened a door that I had never imagined. I received a scholarship that helped cover my academic costs. At that moment I truly realized that when intentions are sincere and we trust Allah, He provides in ways we cannot even plan for.Slowly, the years passed.I carried out my biological research, collected samples, spent long hours reading and writing, and carefully completed every stage of the work. The journey was long and sometimes frustrating, but step by step the effort turned into progress. After five years of perseverance, I am about to officially receive my MPhil degree this year, I continue to work on publishing my research internationally and perhaps in the future this path may lead towards a PhD as well. Just when I felt that life had finally started to settle last year, another meaningful chapter unfolded in my life as our family was preparing to welcome a new blessing.During the final year of my MPhil journey, I joined Beacon Light Academy. How can I ever forget that time? It was not just the beginning of my teaching experience in a well-known institute, but also the time when my daughter was born (a precious blessing). In many ways, she grew up alongside my journey at the school. The warmth, care, and support I received from the teachers and the school leaders made that phase much easier for me. Many times, the teachers were even ready to lovingly hold and look after my little one in my absence, and everyone showed so much warmth and affection. Their support made that period of my life far more manageable and truly memorable. Their kindness and understanding helped me balance motherhood and work, and I will always cherish the fact that my daughter’s early days were surrounded by such love and encouragement within the school community.It felt as if Allah wanted to make things easier for me, so He surrounded me with kind and supportive people who helped lighten my journey.When I look back, I remember the moments when I would quietly say to myself — and sometimes even to the school heads — that perhaps I should leave. I often felt overwhelmed and would think, ‘Maybe I cannot come from tomorrow.’ Small worries would fill my mind: what if the caretaker was not there, what if she arrived late, or what if my little daughter needed me, especially when she was not feeling well? Yet somehow, every difficult moment was managed with the encouragement and support of the people around me, especially the school heads who showed great understanding and kindness during that phase. I realize that the struggles are not completely over — and perhaps they never will be. But I believe that just as those difficult days shaped something meaningful in my life, the challenges of today will also lead to something valuable in the future.Life has also taught me that dreams do not end after marriage or children. If anything, they become stronger because we begin to work not only for ourselves but also for the people who depend on us.There are times when we feel tired and lose hope. There are moments when the road ahead seems too long. But constant faith in Allah and sincere effort slowly lead us toward success. When we keep believing and keep working, Allah places blessings, opportunities, and kind people in our path who make the journey easier.Sometimes all it takes is a single encouraging word or a small act of kindness to give someone the strength to continue and that is what I hold on to — the belief that even in the hardest moments, Allah is quietly preparing ease, and every struggle carries the seed of a future achievement.I share this journey with all my fellow teachers simply to remind us that we should never lose hope. Life may bring challenges, but with faith in Allah, sincere effort, and the support of kind people around us, even the most difficult paths can lead to beautiful outcomes.
By Fazeela Imran
Maymar Campus