April Wonder
By Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph
Today may seem like any other day, but my heart is overflowing with unexpected joy as Allah has bestowed numerous blessings upon me. Being present here in Manila allowed me to witness the Mindanao State University Board of Regents' 266th meeting where my long-awaited promotion was expected to be confirmed. Alhamdulillah!
Yesterday, April 23, marked the day of my confirmation as a Full Professor at the University. My heart is filled with gratitude towards Allah for all the blessings He has granted to me and my family. I am content with everything I have in this world.
I am honored to have reached this milestone in my academic career. The journey to becoming a Full Professor has been one filled with challenges and triumphs, but through perseverance and dedication, I have emerged stronger and more knowledgeable. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors, and loved ones who have been instrumental in my success.
As I reflect on this achievement, I am reminded of the responsibility that comes with this title. I am committed to continuing my research, teaching, and service to the university community with passion and integrity. I aspire to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars and make a positive impact on the world through my work.
With this new chapter in my life, I am excited for the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. I look forward to contributing to the academic field and making meaningful contributions to society. I am humbled by this recognition and am eager to continue growing and learning in my role as a Full Professor.
The path to this promotion was challenging and not handed to me on a silver platter. Ten years ago, following my completion of a master's degree in the UK and facing opposition to pursuing a Ph.D. in London, I doubted my abilities and feared I wouldn't reach this position. However, my esteemed university opened a new opportunity for me. It enabled me to embark on another journey, successfully completing my Ph.D. in Language Studies just when I was on the verge of giving up.
After completing my doctorate, I felt more optimistic about the prospect of a promotion. The journey towards this advancement was challenging, with obstacles encountered during the evaluation of my work. Despite my confidence in my personal growth and dedication to the University, some colleagues may not fully recognize or comprehend my commitment. The path became arduous as I was required to exceed expectations. Doubts resurfaced, almost leading me to give up. Yet, Allah having a higher power guided me to understand that struggles and challenges are part of the rewarding experience that awaits. Indeed, the process was a hidden blessing, revealing valuable insights and fostering gratitude towards those who supported me until the end.
As I reflected on my journey, I realized that the challenges I faced were not meant to deter me but to strengthen my resolve and character. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. With a renewed sense of determination, I persevered through the difficulties, knowing that every setback was a stepping stone towards my ultimate goal.
The support and encouragement from my mentors, friends, and family were invaluable during this time. Their belief in me fueled my perseverance and reminded me that I was not alone in this pursuit. I began to see the obstacles not as roadblocks, but as tests of my resilience and commitment.
In the end, the promotion I had hoped for was not just a recognition of my hard work, but a testament to my ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. I learned that success is not just about reaching the destination, but about the journey taken and the lessons learned along the way. And as I embraced this truth, I found a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today-- a forever student. Learning to be better each day.
We may not always comprehend the wisdom behind the experiences we undergo, but it is reassuring to trust that Allah is consistently guiding us along the right path.
In times of uncertainty and confusion, it is important to have faith that everything happens for a reason. While we may not understand the purpose of every trial or challenge we face, believing that there is a higher power looking out for us can bring solace and peace to our hearts. Just as a ship trusts the guiding light of the lighthouse to navigate through rough waters, we too can trust in the divine guidance of Allah to lead us towards the shores of tranquility and understanding. So, let us hold onto our faith tightly, knowing that we are never alone in our journey through life.
Alhamdulillah!