Challenges

Ever wanted to do something with your life but could not because you couldn't afford it?

Well if you have then you should be glad to know that you're not alone.

In my 27 years of life, I've wanted nothing more than to make a difference in the world. I wanted to help make this world a better place. I wanted to affect and change people's lives.

My first choice in finding the right career that suited my dreams and ambition was to become a lawyer. I used to love watching shows like L. A. Law, Law & Order and other lawyer-based television shows. I used to imagine being in court and fighting my cases and winning. I thought it was the best career path for me.

Unfortunately, when the time came for me to decide on what I wanted to do after my SPM, I was discouraged by my family to do law. They felt being a lawyer in this country would not get me far and I'd have to get involved in politics if I wanted to make my name, which isn't necessarily a good thing.

For all that I've been through and experienced in life, I wanted to share my experiences with others to help them in some small way. I was always fascinated with human behavior and the human mind. So after much deliberation and research, I decided on taking up psychology and mass communications for my degree.

That was the best decision I've ever made in my life. I have never felt more suited for the job as a psychologist. Just the idea of listening to people's problems and finding solutions to help them live a better life seemed wonderful to me. I saw myself becoming an awesome Clinical Psychologist.

I have completed my degree in psychology and mass communications and am currently working for the New Straits Times as a journalist to save up enough money to do my Masters in Clinical Psychology.

The only catch is this: I hate my job but I have to stay to save up for my education.

In order for me to do my masters, I need to first complete an Honors program for a year which would cost more. I have to do one year of Honors and two years of Masters. I would need approximately RM250,000 to achieve this. And I don't have the "dough".

I don't even have any savings thanks to recent medical expenses. I am yet to recover from my medical problem and it would probably that another few months for me to get better. Even the medical bills are exorbitant! You cannot afford to be sick if you don't have the money! That's what our world has come to. Sigh.

Right now, I am at a place in my life where I've never been so desperate for money. I always believed that money was not the most important thing in the world and that you can always find it. But the truth is, money is everything and it's not easy to find. Without money, you can in no way do what you want, get a proper education even fall sick!

The problem here is this, I do not want to take any money from my mother as I believe she has done enough in educating me. Now it's my turn to take up the responsibility of finding my own way and helping her out.

It is so frustrating when all you want to do is change your life to make it better and everyone is so encouraging but you simply don't have the means to make it a reality.

Money! I wish I had a lot more than I do and knew where to look for it. My salary alone isn't enough to help me. I need to find a second job which isn't easy.

I am planning to work here for as long as I can stand it and save as much as I can before leaving the country to pursue my Masters. I doubt I'll be able to save RM250,000 by next year. Therefore, I would need to find a job, work and study at the same time once I'm in Australia.

I know its not going to be easy but at least I'll be doing it to achieve my dreams and that itself would be enough of a motivating factor for me to push myself.

It's also really sad to see those who are so fortunate to have everything, not appreciate what they have been blessed with. These people should really be grateful for all they have because the rest of the world is struggling to make ends meet.

I know what I need to do to achieve my dreams in becoming a practicing Clinical Psychology in the near future and I'm ready for one of the greatest challenges of my life. It's a scary venture but I am willing to take the leap as I know when I do achieve it, I would be the happiest woman in the world. Most importantly, I'd make myself and my mother very proud.

I have realized that nothing is easy in life especially earning enough to sustain a good life, but its worth going through it all especially when you finally get what you want and where you want to be.

Never give up on your dreams even if it seems impossible and always believe in yourself and in the Al-Mighty. In my experience if you want something bad enough, He will bless you with it, you just need to believe and be willing to face all the challenges he will throw your way. With lots of patience and perseverance, Insyallah, He will grant you with all that you need and want.

Always remember, never to give up on yourself no matter what comes your way and be grateful for all that you have in life even if it isn't much. There are many out there who are doing way worse than we are.

Think about it, if life was easy, it wouldn't mean much. Don't you want your life to mean something?