“I want the best for you, look at all your friends, they have taken steps ahead in the world of health. I believe you can become a good doctor, and we want you to study medicine.”
My mom would sometimes comfort me with words of persuasion, her face reflecting that she
really meant well for me, but was not willing to understand the path her child, the first of her
children to attempt at obtaining a university education, had decided to take.
Over and over again the arguments continued trying to root out what this first generation
child should study. Their excitement only focused on seeing that their child was a successful
doctor-a dream that they hoped that one of their children would achieve-so as to move the
family’s honor to another level.
Not to be viewed as a rebellious child or committing a taboo, I would speak calmly, with my
voice sounding like that of a singer singing a melody, trying to explain that there was another
world apart from the one they wanted me to live in. I was what they called a good girl, and I
did as I was told without a fuss.
“Put on a dress. Don’t speak back. Do the chores . Don’t question your parents. You’re a
girl, you can’t express your views.” Unfortunately, this was my reality.
On the other hand, I was a girl in a man’s world- that had strings that outlined what a girl
should do or become. It was as if life had set out a different pitch, different goals and
fashioned a different game all together for me. I was not only going to change the rules but
the game. It seemed that life was playing soccer- and I was not having a kick out of it- and
was so determined to try and change the game : perhaps rugby. Taboo or no taboo.
I want to take the road that is less travelled to be epitomized as a girl who untied the knot of
stereotypes in her world and jumped in the pool of her dreams to freedom. But, my biggest
fears have always been having to go against my parents and be viewed as a rebellious child.
However, I had to face my fears Sooner or later.
For many, choosing a career is easy but that was far from my story. I graduated to senior
high school where I discovered my love for engineering through the junior scientists and
technicians program (jets). My curiosity intensified and I developed an insatiable desire to
learn how things work even if it is just watching my father fix his car at home. Whenever
anyone asks me what I want to study I say with a passionate tone – engineering. However,
whenever I told my father this, he would, with his guttural voice, always oppose. Sometimes
my brother would pass comments like “Just do medicine like all your female friends,
engineering is for boys.” My Dad would agree with great amusement. Those words, coupled
with my father’s agreement, would hint at a stereotypical view leaving me to think that maybe
he has a point but still did not diminish my passion in the least.
Engineering for me was more than just a name of a course; in my imagination it was what
was going to Free me from the saying that girls are just girls. It is about satisfying my
curiosity and drinking deep from the well of knowledge. It is about knowing how things work,
being part of the visionaries that use their imagination to improve the world around. It is
about going beyond appreciating the awesome power of an electron, and realising my
creativity to make life easier through my logical and detail orientated ideas.
Today I see the reason for my mother’s saying to be a doctor, I live each day appreciating
the path chosen for me, what seemed like a nagging situation turned out to be a blessing
Serving humanity as destined to, and realizing God’s purpose.
I know my dreams are costly but I won’t undervalue my potential and aspirations. I will try
everything even though life will knock me down. I’ll emerge ten times greater until I reach the
peak of my mountain.
