As the year turns anew, we often find ourselves between hope and exhaustion, ambition and despair. For many of us, the weight of past struggles threatens to dampen the promise of fresh beginnings.
This New Year, however, I am reminded of an invaluable lesson on resilience that came not from my achievements but from the indomitable spirit of two students from Sultan Qaboos University who refused to give up when everything seemed against them.
Several months ago, I had the privilege of supervising a group of students for a research project sponsored by Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar.
The FIGNEWS project’s topic was both timely and daunting: analysing bias in news coverage of the war between Israel and Palestine. Despite their initial enthusiasm, the challenge of applying discourse analysis — a methodology they had no prior experience with — soon became apparent.
As the semester wore on, one by one, other students dropped out, overwhelmed by the complexity of the task.
But two of them stayed. Their names are etched in my memory not because they were the brightest or most experienced, but because they were the most determined. They faced every setback with grit, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. There were moments when their frustration was palpable, when progress seemed nonexistent. Yet, they refused to quit.
I recall vividly the 11th hour of the project. The deadline loomed, and the paper was still incomplete. Against all odds, these two students managed not only to finish their research but to submit a paper that exceeded all expectations.
The most remarkable part? Out of over 100 submissions, their paper was selected for publication. Their journey exemplified the power of perseverance and the rewards of refusing to give up.
This experience was more than just a testament to their determination; it was a wake-up call for me. In that same period, I had been wrestling with doubts about my own professional and personal goals. The weight of unmet expectations and relentless challenges had me contemplating surrender. But then, these two students walked into my office, their faces alight with pride and disbelief at what they had accomplished.
In that moment, I realised that their victory was as much mine as theirs. Their resilience reignited my own resolve.
Their story reminds me of a powerful lesson often echoed by a famous politician. Reflecting on life’s inherent unfairness, he emphasised that things will not always go your way, and at times, you will face challenges you neither deserve nor expect. Yet, the path to success lies in persistence — in keeping your head down and pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. This call to endure, to keep fighting despite the odds, resonates deeply as a testament to the value of resilience.
On another occasion, this leader spoke of the battles life demands after the festive season, urging focus and determination. He reminded all to approach these challenges with an unyielding spirit, to never accept defeat, and to strive relentlessly for ultimate success. His words underscore the importance of perseverance, even in the face of daunting difficulties.
As we step into this New Year, let us carry these lessons with us.
The politician’s insistence on persistence and the students who overcame their lack of expertise to achieve recognition taught me that success is not reserved for those with innate talent or abundant resources; it belongs to those who persist despite their shortcomings and challenges. Their story is a reminder to adopt new perspectives as the greatest battles are won not by those who never falter but by those who refuse to stay down.
So, if you find yourself weary, on the verge of giving up, remember this: The road may be long and unfair, but the end is worth the fight. As we celebrate this New Year, let us resolve to push forward, focus on our goals, and never, ever give up. For in the relentless pursuit of our dreams lies the promise of triumph.
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