Towards Hope

Chapter 8

This was the next step in my life, representing the beginning of a new chapter full of opportunities and challenges. Among those challenges was learning the language of that country before traveling, and indeed, I managed to achieve that in a short time, even though I hadn't mastered it well yet. Finally, the time for travel arrived. My feelings were mixed. I felt excited and scared at the same time. But I was ready for this new experience. I knew I would face new challenges, but I was confident that I would overcome them with God's help, and through the patience and perseverance I had learned.

I boarded the plane carrying the hopes of all those who love me. Finally, I arrived at my destination after a long and tiring journey. When I got off the plane, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The weather was cold, and the natural scenery around me was completely new. After completing the airport procedures, I was greeted by a university representative who took me to the campus housing. The campus was vast and bustling with life, and the buildings were a wonderful mix of old and modern styles. My small apartment in the housing was simple but comfortable, and from its window, I could see the surrounding trees and gardens. On the first day of school, I woke up early and dressed quickly. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I grabbed my bag and headed to the lecture hall. The university was huge, and I was impressed by its ancient buildings and the modern technologies used in the classrooms. The day began with an orientation tour organized by the senior students for the newcomers. I met my new classmates from various nationalities, and after the tour, the classes started. The first lecture was in psychiatry, of course, because I chose this specialization to help everyone who went through a difficult phase in their life like me. The professor was full of enthusiasm and passionate about his field. He talked about psychiatry and its profound impact on mental health and psychological well-being. His teaching style was motivating, addressing topics such as understanding the psychological factors affecting behavior, the development of psychotherapy over time, and the importance of mental health in daily life.

The professor began the lecture with an introduction to the history of psychiatry and how this field has evolved over the ages, pointing to the pioneering scientists who contributed to laying the foundations of this medical specialty. Then he moved on to discuss recent research in clinical psychology and the latest treatments used to address various psychological challenges. During the lecture, the professor reviewed real clinical cases, giving the lecture a practical and tangible aspect, which made the students feel the importance of this field and its significant impact on individuals and society. He also encouraged dialogue and discussion among the students, which helped create an interactive and informative learning environment. At the end of the lecture, the professor talked about the future of psychiatry and the challenges it faces, emphasizing the importance of continuous research and development in this field to ensure the provision of the best possible mental care for patients.

As the days passed, I realized that living abroad required some additional expenses that I had not previously calculated. The scholarship did not cover all my needs, and I began to think about how to save money for clothes, food, and daily expenses. I decided to look for a part-time job that I could do alongside my studies. I started searching the ads on the internet and on the bulletin boards at the university. After several days of searching, I found an advertisement for a job in the garden of a large villa in the city. I contacted the villa owner, and an interview was scheduled. When I arrived at the villa, I was greeted by an elderly man with a friendly face named Mr. Johnson. He took me on a tour around the beautiful garden and explained the nature of the required work. The garden was large and contained various types of plants and flowers. I had to take care of the garden after my daily classes at the university, and also on study holidays. I agreed immediately, and we agreed that I would start working in a week. Mr. Johnson also suggested that he would rent a small apartment for me near his house and the university so that I would have time and freedom at home. He also mentioned that the rent would not be deducted from my salary.

The garden needed special care and constant maintenance. I would wake up early in the morning, prepare my tools, and go to class. After class, I would return to Mr. Johnson's house and start working. I would clean the ground, water the plants, prune the trees, and plant new flowers. Working in the open air was a joy and a relief after a long day of studying. I felt at ease amidst nature, and I loved seeing the results of my efforts in improving the garden's beauty. Over time, I began to notice Mr. Johnson's interest in my work and his appreciation of my efforts. He would come by from time to time to talk to me and check on the progress of the work. He was a kind and wise man.