Life is a remarkable journey filled with experiences that shape us.
Today, I want to share my story — a tale filled with perseverance, hope, and valuable lessons.
It’s a story of family, dreams, and the strength to keep moving forward.
Family First: My Heartbeat
I’m blessed to be the father of six incredible kids:
Nuha, Taima, Owais, Munira, Nadhim, and Assad.
Each one fills my life with joy and purpose.
Nuha was born in September 2005,
just as I was finishing my degree in Aeronautics in the U.S.
Two years later, in September 2007, Taima joined our family while my wife stayed with her aunt in the States.
Owais arrived in March 2011, followed by Munira in July 2014,
Nadhim in August 2016, and our youngest, Assad, in October 2021.
Each child adds a unique spark to our family dynamic, reminding me of why I strive to succeed.
The Road to Education: A Rocky Start
My educational journey began in 1998 when I graduated high school.
Eager to study, I faced the harsh reality of not qualifying for a scholarship, which left me feeling lost.
Refusing to give up, I took out a student loan and enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Though the loan covered only tuition,
I needed to figure out how to pay for living expenses.
With my new social security card, I landed a job as a driver and office assistant for a real estate agent.
It wasn’t easy; my pay was below minimum wage since I wasn’t a U.S. citizen.
After a few months, I switched to Pizza Hut, working part-time as a cook to support my education.
For two years, I balanced work and studies, earning straight A’s.
My hard work paid off when the Omani government awarded me a full scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation, and pocket money.
Finally, I could focus entirely on my studies!
Stepping Into Adulthood: New Beginnings
In July 2004, during my senior year, I got married, thanks to my parents’ encouragement.
My wife joined me in the States, and 14 months later, we welcomed our first child.
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in July 2005, feeling excited about the future.
In March 2006, I began my career with Oman Air as a trainee engineer.
Over the next decade, I explored various roles in the engineering department, eventually becoming a technical service engineer.
While my time at Oman Air was fulfilling, I craved new challenges, which led me to a private executive airline in 2015.
Facing Financial Challenges: The Struggle Is Real
Despite my professional achievements, financial struggles have been a constant companion.
I accumulated debts from student loans, personal loans for medical expenses during my children’s births in the U.S., and a failed business venture.
I even took out a housing loan for a property in the UAE, only to lose everything during the 2008 financial crash.
Today, I live day by day, trying to cover living expenses and provide for my children’s education.
With my wife not working, it’s even tougher to save.
Her parents help with some monthly expenses, but it’s not enough to lighten the load.
My debts have climbed to around $300,000, including a car and personal loans, leaving me with little after the bank deducts about $4,000 from my salary each month.
Photo by Luana Azevedo on Unsplash
A Message of Hope: Together We Rise
In tough times, holding on to hope and resilience is essential.
Life can throw monumental challenges our way, but remember: every storm eventually passes.
As we navigate through difficulties, let’s lean on each other for support and encouragement.
To those in a more fortunate position, I urge you to reach out to your loved ones. Your support can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Consider donating to those in need or simply offering a listening ear; small acts of kindness can create ripples of change.
Life’s journey isn’t always smooth but with patience and determination,
we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Keep pushing forward, even when the path seems unclear.
The Holy Quran reminds us, “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (Quran 94:6). Every challenge can lead to new opportunities and growth.
When setbacks occur, view them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
Each challenge holds a lesson, and embracing these lessons helps us grow stronger and wiser.
In the face of adversity, let’s cultivate a mindset of determination.
Embrace hard work and dedication; these are the keys to unlocking your potential.
When you feel like giving up, remind yourself that every great achievement once seemed impossible.
Join Me on This Journey
I invite you to support my journey on Medium by clapping, following, subscribing, and sharing your thoughts in the comments.
Your engagement not only motivates me but also helps build a community where we uplift and inspire one another.
If you enjoy stories like this and want to read more, feel free to explore my Personal Stories Library. Your support means a lot!
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Let’s continue to inspire one another through our journeys, fostering a spirit of resilience and hope.
Together, we are stronger, and together we can rise above any challenge life throws our way!
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