We are very proud to announce news of our first graduate Nursamawi. Nur shares her years at the GiveLight home in Indonesia. Her story is both inspiring as well as a testimony to our commitment to take every child in our care till university. Her article is translated by Rani Aviananda a GiveLight Volunteer.
Nursamawi moved from another orphanage to Givelight Home in 2005. She was attached to Dian’s uncle, Syamsuddin who took care of her at an orphanage that he managed prior to retiring. Syamsuddin is the man who donated the land to build our very first orphanage. Every single child living in the Aceh home loves him dearly as he dedicates his life to them along with his wife.
2005
I wanted to live in the Givelight – Noordeen house because of several reasons; one of them is Father Syamsudin, who took care of all of us. I look up to him, as a father, a substitute of my own father who is no longer with me. I feel safe with him there, in the house, which I shared with others. As children, we looked out for each other like brothers and sisters. We love each other, we learn, eat, and pray together. The orphanage with its library, computer lab and language lessons of Arabic and English have helped me study and do well in school. Also the beautiful surroundings and serene landscape of the lake near our place, all add to the reasons that made me feel comfortable and happy at the GiveLight House.
2006
Since my first year in high school, I was always excelling in science and math. Alhamdulilah (all praise to God), all my grades were always consistently high, above average. In my last year of high school, I took an exam, conducted on all high school students by the regional Central Aceh Government Office of Education searching for students with the highest grade marks. Those who excelled at the highest marks would receive a Special Education Package to be conducted in addition to the regular schooling schedule. Out of 1083 student, I was one of 40 students who were eligible to receive it. Moreover, I was one of the top 10 students in the test. The opportunity made me eligible for extra academics and curricular activities conducted for a whole year before graduation.
2007
In my last year of high school, all students had to take an exit exam, to graduate. I got the second highest rank out of all students, Alhamdulillah (all praise to God). I applied to many universities in Sumatra; each and every one of them accepted my application, however, each acceptation did not include a scholarship. As a last resort I applied to one university in Jakarta, called Syariah Economic and Banking Institute, SEBI. They offered 100% scholarship to whoever passed the test. Alhamdulillah (all praise to God), I was accepted and was awareded the full scholarship. Givelight donations helped support my daily expenses, while studying. I am grateful for Dian, our mother.
2007-2011
In the university, I had to do a lot of adjusting in learning and studying. Most of my classmates were more familiar with the subjects in economics. I pushed myself and worked really hard; in my mind I tell myself that if they can do it, I should be able to do it also. As a result, my GPA went up from semester to semester. mother Dian supported me and always prayed for me, I’m ever grateful for her. In only 3.5 years I finished my study, and the graduation ceremony was on December 18th, 2011, Alhamdulillah (all praise to God).
Never in my mind did I think that I would be able to finished my bachelor’s education and proudly wear my graduation suit and cap. It all feels like a dream to me, I feel so elated, the happiest person on the face of this earth. I don’t know how to begin to thank mother Dian, words escape me. With all my heart, all I can do is be grateful to all the blessings and mercy God gives me. My eyes are wet with tears of thankfulness. I pray that our Lord will reward all the kindness, compassion, and love that have been shown to me with the best reward. I prayed for all the generous hearts at Givelight, all the donors, mother Dian, to be granted jannatul firdaus, the highest paradise.
I too, aspire to be a generous donor for Givelight in the future, InshaAllah (God willing). I’m also forever indebted to Jaddu Ahsan, Syed, Kake, and big brother Ira for all their kindness, support, and prayers. For father Syamsudin, I cannot repay your kindness and love, you take care of me as if I’m your own child, and only God will return the compassion and reward you with all the best.
Finally for all my brothers and sisters at the orphanage, keep your spirit up, work hard, and have faith, that you too, will succeed one day. InshaAllah (God willing), you will become successful in this life and in the hereafter, Amen. We all will keep praying for mother Dian, and all GiveLight kind and generous donors.
Wasalam (With peace)
-Nursamawi.
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