Hope: A Lifeline from Bangladesh to Finland
When I arrived in Finland eight years ago, my heart was full of excitement, fear, and hope. Coming from a small village in Bangladesh, I had already endured more struggles than many face in a lifetime. But every challenge only fueled my determination to dream bigger, to step into a world that seemed brighter, even if it was buried under layers of snow.
Today, I find myself at
another crossroads: jobless but not directionless. I may not have a job right
now, but I have something far more valuable—hope. This hope has carried me from
the bustling streets of my childhood to the serene landscapes of Finland, and
it will carry me forward.
From a Village to a World of Opportunities
Growing up in a remote
village in Bangladesh, life was fraught with challenges. Opportunities were
scarce, and the world beyond our village felt like an unattainable horizon.
Yet, even as a young girl, I refused to be confined by these limitations. I pursued
my education with many difficulties along the way and defied deeply ingrained
societal norms that sought to dictate my aspirations. It was Hope that
sustained me—a quiet but persistent force, urging me to believe that a better
future lay ahead if only I dared to dream and persevere.
Finland: A Land of Dreams and Challenges
Moving to Finland was
like stepping into a fairy tale. I got the chance to do my Master’s degree at
Abo Akademi majoring in “Peace, Mediation, and Conflict research studies” and
it was an amazing experience. Additionally, the country's beauty was beyond
anything I had ever imagined. The forests, lakes, and snow-covered landscapes
felt like they belonged to another world. But alongside the beauty came
challenges I hadn’t anticipated: the biting cold, the language barrier, and the
struggle to fit into a society so different from the one I had known.
Yet, I persisted. I am
still learning the language, trying to build connections, and working hard to
establish myself. Sometimes I felt like an outsider, but hope reminded me that
every effort I made was a step closer to belonging.
A Passion for Social Development
My deepest passion lies
in social development, particularly in advancing educational initiatives for
underprivileged communities. I am profoundly committed to fostering peace,
social justice, and inclusive development. Over the years, I have spearheaded
and contributed to various advocacy campaigns, facilitated community dialogues,
and conducted comprehensive needs assessments. These experiences have provided
me with invaluable insights into the transformative power of grassroots
initiatives in driving meaningful social change. Looking ahead, I envision
dedicating my career to similar endeavors, leveraging my skills and expertise
to expand educational opportunities and promote social equity.
While establishing myself in Finland’s social sector may require
time, I remain resolute in my commitment to this mission. Moreover, I am
actively seeking new professional opportunities and eager to broaden my
knowledge and skill set to enhance my impact in this field.
Hope: My Constant Companion
If there’s one thing I’ve
learned, it’s that hope is more than just a feeling: it’s a lifeline. Hope is
what pushes you to get up when you fall, to smile when life feels heavy, and to
keep moving forward when the path seems unclear. It’s what brought me here, and
it’s what will guide me to my next opportunity.
As a woman who’s faced
countless obstacles, I’ve learned to be fearless. Fearless in the face of
adversity, fearless in chasing my dreams, and fearless in believing that
tomorrow holds something better. I may not know what the future looks like, but
I know that hope will be my guide.
A Message to Others
To anyone reading this
who might feel stuck or uncertain about their future, I want to tell you this:
hold on to hope. Life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. The
challenges you face today are not walls; they are steppingstones. Trust in your
journey, and don’t let temporary setbacks define your worth.
Hope brought me from a
small village in Bangladesh to Finland. It has been my anchor through every
storm, and I believe it can be yours too. Together, let’s believe in brighter
days ahead.
Thank you, Finland, for
teaching me resilience. Thank you, Bangladesh, for instilling in me the courage
to dream. And thank you, Hope, for being the constant light in my life.
Master’s in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research studies