Dear Mom, I made it

My educational journey started from Wabxo neighborhood in Galgaduud region. I managed to finish learning the Holy Quran in Wabxo. Since then, my mother enrolled me in Hassan Ali Osman Primary School. At the end of my primary education, my mother, the sole nurturer of my life, sent me to Mogadishu to complete the rest of my studies since my village didn’t offer secondary and tertiary education.

In 2014, I rode a big T&M truck (literally called Tii’am in Somali) to Mogadishu. My journey took two days before safely arriving in Mogadishu. I suddenly joined Al-khaliil school in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. At the time, I was living at my uncle’s house. My mother used to help me all the way from my home village and send me the school fees. To support me in my new life, my mother has decided to relocate and move to Mogadishu. I have then reunited with my beloved family and we resided together in Daynile district.

Our life was normal since then; my mother was responsible for our daily life and filled the role of both parents as my father died in the same year I joined the world. In order to provide for us, she used to run a small restaurant in Gutale Specialist Hospital in Daynile district.

In an effort to further my studies, I joined a part-time private school, AL-KHALEEJ, which, at the time, provided different courses including English and computer applications. I enrolled in both of those courses and personally gained a lot.

On Monday Morning, August 8th, 2016, everything changed unfortunately. I have lost my mother in an explosion that took place at the gate of Gutale Specialist Hospital. In that day, I have lost my only source of hope. Every dream I had before shattered.

Although I have missed the mere provider and sponsor of my life, I decided to continue my education and give relentless efforts to become the person she always wanted me to become. That reignited my energy and kept me going.

A year later, I graduated from secondary school, this time without my mother at my side. I graduated the first and the best student in my class of 40 students. To be at the top of my class allowed me to get a full scholarship from the Somali International University - SIU. 

Since childhood, I always wanted to join a medical college. My university offers this faculty at full-time basis, and since I could not attend the full-time classes due to the bus fare and the other expenses I couldn’t afford, I selected another faculty. On there, I abandoned my dream! 

Eventually, I joined my university as a part-time student, and I have enrolled in the Business and Economics Faculty in the Department of Business Administration. I got lucky to get into classes with outgoing classmates who were ready for collaboration. They are all the best students in the country. In addition, I was fortunate to be taught by the best lecturers in the country. 

Finally, after many years of hustle, on Monday, June 28th, 2021, the final day has arrived. Together with my classmates, I have defended my thesis book. Our project was to research about the links between Organizational Culture and Employee Performance in Somalia.

Today, July 9th, 2021, I have sat on my final exam and therefore concluded my first degree. I thank the almighty Allah for giving me the chance to complete my first degree healthily with a high grade.  I also appreciate my beloved uncle Abdi Omar who filled for me the role of my parents. Also, I am grateful to everyone who had directly and indirectly contributed to my success.

However, it is heartbreaking not to have my mother Nasro Omar at my side to celebrate and witness my success. I, therefore, dedicate this accomplishment to my beloved mother, Nasro Omar Alasow.