I could barely keep up with the requirements and exams when I was an engineering student. Most of the time, I go home stressed from the university with lots of work to be accomplished like assignment and reports. The to-do list seems to be endless to the point that I no longer have time to rest even on weekends. And that’s only me, a full-time engineering student. What more for those who study engineering and work for their tuition at the same time?
Source: Share a Gif
The kind of hardwork and determination that working students have up their sleeves is unparalleled. I once talked to a classmate who worked off of school and with a full load in the university. A casual talk in the cafeteria as we share a table. He talked about having to balance both worlds despite and in spite of every difficulty he experienced. As he was telling his stories, I could not help but be astounded by his perseverance, that he could conquer and beat all the odds just to finish his degree. He smiled through the entire conversation as if he’s not carrying any burden. If he was concealing the anxiety, he is good at it; but I bet the guy was just innately optimistic. The guy had superb quality worth emulating. I couldn’t imagine myself having to attend engineering classes and having work after or in between, like he did.
Source: Jam Spreader
That is when I realized that what my experiences are nothing compared to his. I should still be thankful that I could focus on my studies with only little worry on where to get money for my education. Since then, he was my inspiration to be determined, to stop complaining about the little things and instead focus on the reward of what’s ahead. He shared a piece of his life that I will forever leave a mark in me. We haven’t met each other since we graduated, but I’m thankful that I got to talk to such a man and made me realize things.
That’s why I raise my hats to everyone who worked on the side for their engineering degrees. I don’t understand why some look down on them, when these working students are the ones who need to look up to for what they do is exceptional. Their stories are a source inspiration to engineering students who feel a lot of struggles, like I was.