Physics has always been a thorn on my foot. When I was completing my O’ level studies, physics was the only subject I was sure to do badly in; the result of school mismanagement of course and my inability to follow the assigned textbooks. Being entirely certain that less than an A would mean I would be confined in my house all my life – as higher education would be unaffordable – I made a pact with God that lasted exactly a year. I promised myself that I would pray five times a day and make it a point to study physics without excuses. In return, God will account for all the concepts and equations I could not understand and give me a good grade.
It worked. I scored exactly one mark above the grade boundary, after giving two disastrous exams. Even then, I had a feeling that I would be alright. I never panicked. I just calmly worked my way around the difficulties, answering questions, looking up the internet and in general, keeping my promise. Whether the results are purely God’s grace is subject to debate, but thinking back, I see I had believed in myself and worked for my goal. I had given up time to laze or watch television – all the simpler moments of joy of that time – to earn something I deemed more important. And I had been rewarded.
On pursuing my dreams of going abroad, I realize, I have not given up anything. I have not worked harder (well, perhaps I did for a while), I have not the conviction or the belief. These need to change. So, as of November 04, exactly four months after my 23rd birthday, I have decided I must change all things that hold us back. My first step is to stay off coke and other cold drinks till ‘we’ are on a flight to our destination. It has multiple effects – I will be healthier, I will constantly realize I have to get out of here and I will save money. My second will be attending the education fair tomorrow.
These are my foundations, others will be planned real-time like the RTS I just finished.
Sumaiya R. © 2010.
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