The Journey of Amal

Before my very first Amal session, I spent a significant amount of time wandering around the campus in search of the Korea Centre. As I walked, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the beauty of the place: the elegant architecture of the pillared buildings, the striking red brick walls, and the serene tree-lined paths. The absence of students on the weekend added to the serene atmosphere.
In the following weeks, I had the opportunity to further explore the campus and revel in its beauty. One of my favorite experiences was the hurried morning walks along the road leading to the Korea Centre. Throughout the fellowship, I witnessed the trees along that road go through their natural cycle of sprouting new leaves, blooming, and eventually shedding their flowers, each transformation a beautiful sight.

On the day of the first session, I took a seat at the back and felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the fellowship. I also had some concerns regarding how helpful it would be for me. Would I have been better off spending my time elsewhere, learning something different, or engaging in other activities?
We had completed the online course on self-discovery prior to the session, and I found it truly enjoyable. It sparked excitement within me for what lay ahead. Alongside the in-person session during the first weekend, it brought a refreshing and new experience. It motivated me to delve deeper into understanding myself, grappling with questions about my identity, wants, and motivations. Furthermore, the activity of documenting my strengths and weaknesses encouraged me to look inward and gain a better understanding of myself. The session made me realize that these fundamental questions shape every decision and action we take, even in our careers. However, in the midst of our day-to-day routines, we often avoid confronting them. They demand introspection, self-awareness, and the courage to acknowledge our true selves, which requires much contemplation and mental fortitude. This session compelled me to confront these challenging questions and revealed that I did not have answers for most of them. Despite having detailed career plans, I was uncertain about the reasons driving me.
Moreover, there were certain sayings and concepts introduced during the sessions that left a profound impact on me due to their fresh and alternative perspectives. One statement from the first few weeks, in particular, struck a chord with me when Sir Hammad expressed that true humility doesn’t involve diminishing oneself but rather involves embracing others as equals, avoiding any sense of superiority. Another memorable moment was a video featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, where she discussed how the concept of “changing the world” can sometimes be driven by self-serving motives, and she explored the path to discovering true purpose and living a life of immersion. Throughout the first two weeks and following sessions, I encountered numerous instances where I had to pause and think to absorb the meaning and significance of these insights, as they opened new doors within my mind.
During the initial sessions, I enjoyd and appreciated the methodical approach to career planning and decision-making. It all began with gaining a deep understanding of ourselves, identifying our strengths and weaknesses, recognizing our values, understanding their significance, clarifying our aspirations, and figuring out the reasons behind our pursuits. What stood out the most was their emphasis on setting SMART goals. Prior to this experience, my thoughts mainly revolved around contemplating what I wanted and needed to do, yet I often failed to take decisive action. The SMART goal approach enlightened me on the importance of actively initiating change and scheduling deadlines to ensure progress.
The supportive environment fostered by the Amal sessions was something I immediately noticed and valued. In the first session, when I learned that class participation would be evaluated, I initially felt disadvantaged, doubting my ability to perform in the fellowship. However, in the same session I was called upon to answer a question. Nervously, with a quivering voice and a sense of disorientation, I responded. Following the session, a few fellow participants approached me and expressed their appreciation for the way I shared my perspectives. It was the first time I had received such positive feedback. Encouraged by this safe and affirming space, I gained the confidence to actively engage in class discussions right from the beginning, something I hadn’t ever done before in my academic journey. I also believe that this is something that would have taken me a significant amount of time to learn if not for this fellowship.
Moreover, the fellowship has imparted two crucial lessons: the importance of understanding the “why” and the “how.” Furthermore, it has emphasized the need to answer these questions with specificity. I strongly believe that whenever I encounter a dilemma, or face a pivotal decision in my career or personal life, the Amal fellowship has equipped me with the ability to question why I am drawn to a particular path. It has facilitated a deeper understanding of myself, enabling my choices and actions to be guided by this self-awareness. Additionally, when I strive to accomplish something, the Amal fellowship has taught me the value of effective planning in order to reach my goals. Most importantly, it has shown me the art of learning. It has taught me that after setting and optimizing a goal, there are countless avenues for growth and knowledge that can be explored to achieve it. This fellowship has instilled a proactive mindset within me, where I am prepared to confront challenges and setbacks, transforming them into valuable learning experiences rather than sources of demotivation.