Success is a loaded word as it can entail so many different things to different individuals. We frequently seek out the perspectives of “successful” individuals. What we’re truly interested in is the journey – how a person become successful. It’s critical to keep in mind that achieving success requires effort; no one ever became successful overnight.
As Maya Angelou once wisely said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Life presents us with struggles not to make us lose hope or fall back, but to strengthen us and empower us to keep moving forward until our long-held goals become within reach. Life is undoubtedly challenging, but we must be even tougher. We can’t give up on our dreams; instead, we must persistently pursue our goals. As long as we can imagine it, we can achieve it. Even in the face of discouragement and obstacles, remember that you are still capable of achieving your goals because you are worthy. Never perceive failure as a setback; rather, see it as an opportunity for growth. The more we stumble, the greater our climb. Each fall teaches us valuable lessons and clarifies our vision.
This is the story of a remarkable young woman who held tightly to her dream and overcame every struggle as deep down she believed she deserved better; she knew that her dream was only steps away and nothing could stop her from taking the next step. Clarita Hadchiti, a 17 years old young girl, from Deir al Ahmar public high school knew that life will cause hardships, as Lebanese people are struggling during this harsh economic crisis, people are adopting negative coping mechanisms. With the increase in strikes and revolt movements in public facilities, Clarita faced difficulties learning and acquiring knowledge in her second year of high school. Clarita’s average dropped to 8.11 and at this exact moment everything changed as her father’s words still utter through her voice:
“If you don’t pass by the end of this year, we will have to take you out of school”
At that moment, Clarita’s dream came to an abrupt halt. She was filled with confusion, fear, and a sense of being lost. How would she ever become a lawyer if she was forced to leave high school? How could she achieve her dreams? She knew deep down that she wasn’t a failure, but her studies had been hindered by circumstances beyond her control. The thought of facing her successful friends weighed heavily on her mind. She couldn’t give up now. Amidst her feelings of defeat, the only thing she had to hold on to was the image of herself walking confidently down the street one day, wearing her attorney suit, and helping innocent people.
Coming from a modest family in the village and with two younger siblings, the financial burden weighed heavily on Clarita’s family, just like many others. Education, once a top priority, had now taken a backseat in their lives. Money became scarce, leaving little for necessities such as medicine, food, and transportation. Faced with these hardships, Clarita’s parents reluctantly considered the option of withdrawing her from school as the only solution. The words that echoed in Clarita’s mind were her father’s blunt statement: “I don’t want to spend my money on a failing student.”
These words cast a shadow over her dreams of becoming a lawyer, and the vision she once held dear faded away, leaving behind a void filled with sadness and despair. Clarita knew deep down that she wasn’t a failure, but life’s circumstances had dealt her a challenging hand. She longed for help and guidance, but the resources were simply not available. Reluctantly, she had to accept her father’s decision. Her family could no longer provide the support she needed, and there was no means to afford a private tutor.
A project was introduced by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training in partnership with the Malala Fund, aiming to support girls’ education. Clarita’s father received a message from the high school’s principal, informing him about the project. The message stated that transportation would be provided, along with refreshments, for the students. It urged those interested to register immediately.
The sense of hope that surged within me upon reading that message will forever be etched in my memory. I realized that this was my one and only chance, a moment I couldn’t afford to let slip away. There were no excuses anymore. I was determined to become a lawyer, and I knew deep down that I would achieve it. Without waiting for my father’s response, I took immediate action. I registered my name without hesitation, being the first to do so. In that moment, I felt the weight of destiny on my shoulders. Life had granted me a genuine opportunity to turn my dream into reality. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down my face as I looked at my parents. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe that this was really happening. I was going to continue my studies, and nothing would stand in my way.
Inspired by Malala’s powerful words, “I don’t want to be thought of as the ‘girl who was shot by the Taliban’ but the ‘girl who fought for education,'” Clarita embraced the same determination. She recognized that, like Malala, she had a purpose to fight for education. No matter the obstacles she faced, Clarita was resolute in her decision not to give up. Her dreams and aspirations held greater significance than any challenges that stood in her way.
Clarita firmly believed that the best way to shape her future was by taking proactive steps towards achieving her goals. She understood that she had the power to create her own destiny, rather than being passively shaped by circumstances. With this mindset, she embarked on her journey with unwavering determination, knowing that her actions would pave the way for her future success.
Clarita recognized the pivotal role her present actions would play in shaping her future. Fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead, she wholeheartedly embraced the journey before her, understanding its worth and significance. As the classes commenced, she exhibited unwavering dedication, attending every session without exception. The presence of familiar instructors who had supported her throughout the academic year fueled her motivation to new heights. Even enduring classes that stretched to several hours, Clarita never complained, grew weary, or allowed herself to be distracted. Instead, she demonstrated an unprecedented resilience, fueled by an inner conviction that change was necessary. With unwavering determination, this extraordinary young woman overcame all obstacles that stood in her path. She steadfastly refused to succumb to the limitations imposed by her surroundings or economic circumstances, and nothing could deter her from her fight. When the grades were finally distributed at the end of the school year, Clarita achieved remarkable success, attaining a passing grade. Her hard work, perseverance, and unwavering belief in herself had paid off, proving that with determination and a steadfast commitment to her dreams, she could surpass any challenge that came her way.
“Even if the improvement may not have been ideal”, she added, “For me, it was a great achievement, and I am not a failure as I was told.”
Clarita emphasized the significance of the life skills program, in addition to academic support, as a crucial component of her journey. She expressed her admiration for how the project was designed not only to assist students academically but also to foster the development of stronger and more resilient personalities, enabling them to shape their own paths and make informed decisions about their future. After her father’s decision to withdraw her from high school, Clarita experienced deep unhappiness and a desperate need for psychosocial support workshops to rebuild her confidence. She felt a sense of insignificance, confusion, and a strong desire for a gentle push forward. Among the various workshops she participated in, the need assessment workshop played a pivotal role in helping her evaluate the specific needs of the students. This workshop had a profound impact on Clarita’s perspective, and she found solace and improvement through her participation in a round table discussion held at her high school. The discussion included representatives from the municipality and the teaching staff. For the first time in her life, she was empowered to choose what she truly needed, and she mustered the courage to say “no” to the principal’s suggestions. Instead of a computer hall, Clarita and her fellow students realized that what they truly needed was access to solar energy for electricity and heating. This request aligned with a community project that the organization planned to carry out in collaboration with the Malala Fund, further highlighting the significance of their needs being addressed within a larger context. Clarita ended stating: “The project we envisioned would not have been accomplished without the life skills workshops that helped us identify our goals and objectives. I am thankful as this initiative helped me develop self-confidence, decision-making skills, determination, social integration and involvement and more qualities as a result of the sessions I attended throughout this project.”
“I can now confidently tell the other students especially young women that I was the first to propose, contribute to, and carry out the solar energy project in my high school, all thanks to the Supporting Girls Through Education project.”
During the third phase of the initiative, there was a specific focus on providing support to third-year students who were facing significant challenges. These students, who should have been attending classes and preparing for their official exams, were instead forced to stay at home due to ongoing strikes and disruptions. As a result, their attendance rate was extremely low, with many students barely meeting 10% of the requirements. Clarita, being one of the students who had to face this situation, expressed her gratitude and excitement when the initiative was announced. Having experienced the positive impact of the organization’s previous support, she felt hopeful about the opportunity to re-register and continue her education. However, the reality was disheartening as there were still no high schools, no instructors, and no proper education available. The academic year was in jeopardy, and the official examinations were looming. Nevertheless, the organization once again reached out to lend a helping hand and provide encouragement. Clarita, driven by her determination for success, eagerly participated in all the classes offered by the organization. She recognized that this was her chance to make a difference and achieve success once again, despite the challenging circumstances.
I am here today as a result of this project, and I have no doubt that I will be a lawyer in the future as a result of this project once more.
“”I will not forget your great kindness. Had it not been for the support program that was implemented, my daughter would have been at home today, abandoning her dreams and aspirations. Here she is attempting to achieve her dreams, which I would have one day destroyed. I am pleased with the improvements in her behavior and knowledge, and I have no doubt that she will succeed in the official exams.”. This is what Clarita’s father commented after asking him about the project and his daughter.
Clarita’s heartfelt words concluded with a deep appreciation for the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training and the Malala Fund, recognizing their instrumental role in enabling her to complete her education. She acknowledged the significance of their support, which not only impacted her academic journey but also positively influenced her social, psychological, and cultural well-being. This experience would forever be etched in her memory as a testament to the transformative power of organizations and donors who stand ready to help those in need. In her final words, Clarita emphasized that her dream was just beginning, and she encouraged others to embrace their own dreams without allowing anyone to impose limitations or undermine their abilities. Quoting Malala, she highlighted the immense power that lies within women, surpassing the power of both the sword and the pen. She urged individuals to reject societal expectations and never limit themselves based on others’ perceptions or unwillingness to accept their potential. With these empowering words, Clarita reminded everyone that their dreams and aspirations are valid and worth pursuing, urging them to break free from any constraints and embrace their own unique paths.
