Taking Flight
One would expect that online sessions and interactions would not have as strong an impact as the in-person physical sessions. Amal proved to be an exception, giving me an experience truly promising in the quality of engagement, learning and creative freedom. What is even more surprising is that, the kind of dedication showed by the PM and the AM was much more than what one would expect normally. This is because at a time when the global pandemic had forced so many people to turn pessimistic, hopeless and demotivated, they were able to create the perfect, healthy environment for the fellows through their optimism. Their brave faces encouraged us to put in extra effort and to try against all odds, because they proposed a solution for almost everything.
In the last session, we had the chance to interact informally to discuss future plans more candidly. I think this natural toned session helped to alleviate any anxiety that one may have regarding uncertain future plans. I loved the Scavenger Hunt activity as it allowed us to work in teams — something that I had been avoiding before I had joined Amal. My teamwork skills improved drastically because of Amal, making me a more considerate team player who doesn’t stay introverted but is rather influence to participate. I loved the shoutouts and the appreciations that Ma’am Zeest gave out. They really showed that she had been paying close attention to us and had been prioritizing our learning every step of the fellowship.
In the casual talk and connect session, I felt more comfortable with the emotions of sadness. It did feel like a goodbye, but it also felt like the start of something new and better. Better, because Amal has prepared us well for our journey ahead. I would say that I am someone who does not like to interact much, unless someone else initiates the conversation. Since, most of the fellows in the session are very enthusiastic, it became easier to just talk without getting anxious about it. The emotional connection developed through the conversations really helped to ground myself and find peace in the goodbye. I think it is very important to connect and do things for emotional uplifting sometimes, because at the end of the day, we are all just human beings looking for something meaningful. The thoughtfulness in every comment showed that our little Amal Family was ready to stick together, even after the fellowship because there is just too much to remember about this fellowship.
I think this fellowship made me wiser. With it, I take away lessons too important to forget and too special to not share. I have been advising my friends, giving them tips on interviews, CVs and cover letters, because I feel confident in them working out for them as well as they did for me. Amal has never made it about the institution, or the status or the position; it has always made it about passion and the hunger to learn. I will extend my support to all my friends and acquaintances, sometimes against their will, just because that’s how bad I want them to know all secrets to step-wise success! As for myself, I hope to repeat the lessons in my head — Eik Aur Eik Gyara, Kya Hasil Kiya, Amal, Khudi…
I have had the chance to know myself and others through this 3-months journey. It has been an academic ride, with an emotional destination but an encouraging tomorrow. I plan to stay in touch with Ma’am Zeest, Ma’am Iqra and the fellows and not forget the place which has taken nothing, and given everything. I am grateful that I found this opportunity and availed it. It has made all the difference, and it will continue to help me make a difference in this world of increasing competition.
