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I always had a dream of studying in a foreign country after my graduation. Seeing my cousin's sisters achieving their dream jobs after getting an education from abroad, I also developed an urge to find an opportunity to go abroad. I studied hard and got scholarships in every academic year, so at that time I was also hopeful that, with my hard work and dedication I would be able to achieve the scholarship from a UK university. 

So after my graduation, I applied to different universities and was desperately waiting for a positive reply. 

"Now I would turn my dream into reality and you would see how I would change our circumstances." 

"Are you sure you would get the scholarship?"

" Absolutely Mom! I am truly hopeful. "

I said this to my mother. Although she never discouraged me, still she wanted me to know the reality of life.

"Life is unpredictable! What if your scholarship application got rejected? You would be ready to face both kinds of situations."

But I never paid heed to her words and remained consistent with my aim. However, I was broken when I opened the emails that I received from universities one by one. It was mentioned that they were not offering any scholarships to Pakistani students. My plan A was not successful, so I decided to work on plan B. I asked my parents to support me financially to get a UK study visa. They did their best but their savings were not enough to fulfill the whole expense.

My Dad asked me to wait for some time, so he could manage to collect the money. He applied for a loan from the bank and luckily it got approved. But sadly when we collected the money, which was needed the UK government increased the amount they were charging for study visas. It was beyond our expectations.

"My dear daughter! The situation is clear to you. I did everything possible, but now I can't do anything. "

"Dad! Please don't say this, we should be hopeful."

Although things were not in my favor, still I was optimistic. I decided to talk to my uncle about it as he was well well-settled man in UAE. He is my Mom's brother and he always supported us in our difficult times. 

"I think we should ask Uncle Ahmed to help us, I am sure he wouldn't deny."

" I don't want to bother him, as he recently told me about the loss he got in his business."

"What?"

"Yes! Two of his tenders got rejected and he is going through a difficult time. 

I was disappointed to hear what my Mom told me. I cried and cried but never said anything to anyone. For many days, I remained in the same state. But after a few days, I was optimistic again when I had a conversation with my friend who was living abroad. She promised to help me. The next day, I said to my Mom

"I would apply for visiting visa as it wouldn't cost me too much."

"But who would send you a sponsor?"

"I have a friend, who promised me to send a sponsor."

She was my last hope, but again I received heartbreak when COVID hit the world and everyone was locked in their home. No country was offering visas as everyone's life was at stake. It was a very difficult time. Slowly my dream of studying abroad vanished and I realized that I wouldn't be able to go there. So I made up my mind and when the lockdown was lifted, I applied to an institution and got a job. When my cousin heard about it, she came and asked. 

"I didn't believe when my Mom told me that you have started a job here. "

"What's better than our own country? I would live here until my death and wouldn't leave my motherland for anything else. " I replied. 

"Grapes are sour." She uttered and we both laughed so hard. 

Still, sometimes I feel sad to think about it, but I believe that what is destined for us will surely come to us no matter in what ways. But for now, I have changed my mind and I am hopeful to live my life in my country in the best way.

Thanks for reading.
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