From a young age, there was one lesson that stood out in my father’s teachings: education is the gateway to a better life. Growing up in modest circumstances, this lesson became my guiding light, fueling my ambition to reach for opportunities I could only imagine. Yet, the idea of attending the University of Oxford felt like a distant dream, almost beyond reach.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself halfway through an extraordinary, life-changing journey as a student at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. This milestone is the result of persistence, faith, and an unexpected twist in my academic journey.
In 2023, I initially applied for Oxford’s High-Performance Leadership Program (HPLP 23 Cohort). My goal was straightforward: to earn an executive certificate from a world-renowned institution, a symbol of academic achievement that I believed would be within my grasp. But fate had other plans. What began as a pursuit of a certificate evolved into something much larger. Oxford offered me a place in its highly competitive Executive Diploma in Global Business program (DGDip) and, as an incredible honour, awarded me the prestigious Oxford Director’s Award—an achievement reserved for only a select few among highly qualified applicants.
My kids are beginning to see firsthand what hard work and perseverance can achieve.
This journey, however, wasn’t without its hurdles. My first application to Oxford, back in 2015, ended in disappointment. Despite the setback, I knew that giving up was not an option. I was determined to keep pushing forward, believing that perseverance would one day pay off. When I reapplied in 2023, I knew the stakes were high but pressed on with a renewed sense of purpose.
Receiving my acceptance letter was a moment I’ll never forget. Due to internet restrictions at the time, I couldn’t access the email immediately. It took a VPN download and some creative problem-solving, but finally, on a November morning, I read the life-changing message. The moment was surreal. For my family and me, this wasn’t just about a professional milestone; it was a celebration of resilience and belief that came to heal a wounded body and mind while going through the most difficult and challenging moments of life.
Today, this achievement holds even deeper significance. My kids are beginning to see firsthand what hard work and perseverance can achieve. To carry on the legacy of education, especially one at this level, feels like a gift-not only to myself but to my family and future generations.
Reflecting on this journey, I am profoundly grateful to the University of Oxford for this opportunity and for the honour of the Director’s Award. More than a personal success, it represents the power of persistence and the transformative impact of education. This journey isn’t just mine; it’s a story of hope and possibility for my family and for those who come after us.