Beyond the Degree: Finding Purpose in Your Path
Why ambition, independence, and thoughtful choices matter more than
university names or international credentials.
A university name won’t define your success—what kind of
life are you truly building?
A few years ago, Advit and his cousin, Ira, (names
changed for privacy ) , left the UAE to pursue higher education. Advit went
to the US for medicine; Ira chose engineering in Canada. Bright and ambitious,
they soon faced cultural shocks, relentless coursework, and the weight of being
far from home. Now, whispers of returning to the UAE are real, where strong
programs, guidance, and opportunities await—proof that prestige alone
doesn’t guarantee success.
“Are you choosing a path for yourself, or simply following
what looks impressive?”
If parents can afford it and it aligns with your goals,
studying abroad can be a good choice—but it should be a deliberate decision,
not influenced solely by prestige, appearances, or pressure.
The Weight
of Expectations and Cost
Sending a child abroad is often a heroic effort. Parents
borrow, stretch finances, and take on debt. Sometimes, a sense of guilt enters
the picture—students worry about the sacrifices their parents make. Even if
they struggle with the course or feel overwhelmed, they continue to push
themselves, often at the expense of their own wellbeing, which can lead to
stress or even depression.
Many UAE schools provide excellent programs locally. Their
students gain admissions abroad—a notable achievement—but success abroad also
brings challenges—cultural, academic, and emotional—that no leaderboard can
capture.
Prestige
Isn’t the Only Measure of Success
Many schools highlight international placements, reflecting
strong guidance and preparation. But success isn’t only abroad. UAE schools
provide mentorship, internships, career guidance, and career fairs,
placement talks, counselling sessions, skill-building workshops, and leadership
programs. Students develop confidence and independence, thriving wherever
life takes them.
Advit and Ira’s experience shows that preparation, support,
and thoughtful choices matter more than a university label.
Lessons
Beyond the Classroom
True growth comes from responsibility, decision-making, and
learning from failure. By the mid-to-late twenties, standing on one’s own
feet—financially and personally—is essential.
Many young adults measure success by potential salary. Rent
is real. Life is expensive. But high pay without skill, judgment, or resilience
is hollow. Entry-level roles, internships, and small responsibilities teach
resilience, insight, and confidence—the foundation of lasting success.
In the UAE, students can gain experience in cafés, retail
stores, malls, or community projects, earning pocket money while learning
practical skills: interacting with people, managing responsibilities,
communicating, and problem-solving. Parents should encourage these
opportunities—they teach lessons no degree can.
My daughter, for instance, held several small jobs during
college, which stood her in good stead when she entered the workforce.
The life skills she gained—communication, problem-solving, financial
responsibility, resilience, and confidence—proved as important as her academic
degree.
There are CEOs, chairmen, and founders of multinational
companies who started from scratch. Their journeys are inspiring. Speaking with
such individuals gently reminds you that building success is often a
step-by-step process, not an instant leap.
Starting at
the Bottom Builds Strength
Many imagine success means starting at the top: a corner
office, a high salary, or an assistant at hand. The truth is sharper—success is
earned step by step, through effort, mistakes, and patience. Starting small
builds understanding, judgment, and real skills that no title or paycheck can
teach.
I began working very early. In my twenties, my job was
modest and low-paying. Over four decades, I moved up—not by luck, but through hard
work, loyalty, calculated risks, and consistency. The achievement was never
the title; it was building steadily, step by step, with my own hands.
Choosing
With Purpose
Ask yourself: What excites me? What challenges me? Where
will I grow? Prestige is fleeting; purpose lasts. Whether studying abroad
or in the UAE, success depends on deliberate choice, effort, and resilience.
Going abroad can be a wonderful experience—an opportunity
to learn, grow, and explore. But the true measure of success is not the city or
the university, but the skills, independence, and resilience you build along
the way. With thoughtful choices, effort, and perseverance, students can
thrive wherever they are, turning opportunities—at home or abroad—into a
fulfilling, successful journey.
Parents guide, but don’t impose. Students think critically,
embrace challenges, and understand life is competitive—it is a jungle out
there. Success is not a gift, a title, or a paycheck—it is earned,
deliberate, and hard-won.
Ultimately, whether near or far, the path to success is in
the choices you make, the effort you put in, and the growth you embrace. Start
strong, stay curious, and let each experience subtly shape the life you truly
want.
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