"Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place"

“Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have the perseverance to realize the great life.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

This quote motivates me in the work that I do. Growing up in Ethiopia, the recent boom in the construction industry has inspired me to be a part of improving my country’s infrastructure and contribute toward its development.

A major aspect of development is education. Through education, we inevitably increase and promote productivity. In addition, it plays a crucial role in obtaining social and economic progress.    

I believe that two of the greatest challenges facing society today are a lack of access to clean water and affordable housing. In Ethiopia, young girls are often kept from attending school because they are collecting water. Similarly, the fact that houses are unaffordable to own, leaves many families with no option but to live in extreme conditions. I am determined to end these societal challenges.

The OFID Scholarship has provided me with the amazing opportunity to study at the University of Manchester. Following graduate school, I plan to engage in green building and the cost-efficient housing sector in my country to solve the environmental and economic problems plaguing our world. 

Being faced with new challenges excites me. I continue to tackle challenges and look forward to overcoming even bigger ones. Like the quote, I will never stop fighting until I reach my destined place.