Growing up in a small village in Punjab, Pakistan, I faced numerous challenges, but I always held onto my dreams. My journey from a humble beginning to pursuing higher education abroad is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.

Early Years and Education

A Humble Beginning

I was born into a poor household, yet my aspirations were never limited by my circumstances. From an early age, I was driven by a strong desire for education. My father worked tirelessly to support my education, even amidst our financial struggles. Thanks to his efforts, I often achieved top positions in my government school and even earned a spot on the college honor board.

Inspirations and Aspirations

In the third grade, I read about great leaders like Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam, who traveled to Europe for their education. This ignited a dream within me to explore the world, learn new languages, and immerse myself in different cultures. However, the reality of being a lower-class student posed significant obstacles.

The Scholarship Journey

The First Attempt

After completing my Intermediate studies, I worked hard to secure a foreign scholarship. Despite multiple attempts, tests, and interviews, I faced repeated failures. Eventually, luck favored me, and I was awarded a fully funded scholarship for my bachelor’s degree. My joy, however, quickly turned to disappointment when I learned that I needed to cover my flight expenses upfront.

The Harsh Reality

I found myself in a predicament; I didn’t have enough money for a one-way ticket, let alone the other initial costs. After weighing my options, I made the painful decision to withdraw from the scholarship. I felt defeated, like a bird with broken wings, unable to soar towards my dreams.

A New Hope

Finding the Path

With my scholarship dreams dashed, I focused on my studies at UET Taxila. Determined not to give up, I set my sights on pursuing a master’s degree abroad, no matter the obstacles. Upon discovering that Germany offered free education, I felt a renewed sense of hope. However, I soon learned that I would still need to deposit 10,332 euros in a blocked account—a daunting amount for someone with limited financial resources.

The Choice

Faced with the daunting task of gathering such a significant sum, I had two choices: succumb to the challenges or find a way to overcome them. I chose the latter, and thus began my journey toward earning the funds needed for the blocked account.

The Freelancing Journey

Discovering Freelancing

In my final year at university, I sat under a tall tree, brainstorming ways to earn money quickly. I explored options such as jobs, freelancing, and even cryptocurrency. Intrigued by a story of a senior student who had earned enough through freelancing to buy a motorcycle, I decided to give it a shot.

Taking the Leap

With no roadmap or mentor, I created my profile on Fiverr, offering app development services based on a course I had completed. One evening while studying in the library, I received my first order for $5 from a client in America. This small success filled me with hope, proving that if I could earn $5, I could achieve so much more.

The Road to Success

Balancing Studies and Freelancing

As I continued my studies, I checked my earnings after six months and was shocked to find I had only made $700. Realizing that my studies had taken precedence over my freelancing, I dedicated myself fully to the endeavor after graduating.

Overcoming Challenges

I expanded my services to include online teaching, navigating the challenges of conducting video lessons from home. Despite the lack of a perfect setup, my focus remained on solutions rather than problems. I delivered hundreds of lectures, taught students from various backgrounds, and worked tirelessly to improve my skills and services.

Achievements and Milestones

Hard Work Pays Off

Working 12 to 14 hours a day, I faced the struggles of freelancing head-on. My mother often reminded me of the importance of balance, but my determination to earn money and achieve my dreams kept me focused. I believed that I deserved the same opportunities as any student in Europe.

Leveling Up

Eventually, my hard work paid off, and I achieved Level 2 status on Fiverr after earning over $2,000. This milestone opened up even more opportunities for me. I remained vigilant, ensuring I was available for clients at all times, even setting notifications to keep me alert during the night.

A New Challenge

Burnout and Break

After reaching earnings of $6,000, I began to feel overwhelmed and burned out. I decided to take a break and travel within Pakistan with friends. This brief respite rejuvenated my spirit and reminded me of the beauty of life beyond work. I enjoyed activities like jet skiing and rafting without financial worry.

Staying Committed

Despite the challenges, I remained committed to my goal of saving for the blocked account. My freelancing journey had its ups and downs, but I kept a note on my laptop that read, “Quitters never win, and winners never quit,” which served as a constant source of motivation.

Pursuing My Dreams

The Final Push

With three months left to gather the funds for my blocked account, I moved to Lahore to prepare for the IELTS exam while continuing my freelancing work. My days became increasingly hectic as I juggled exam preparation, university research, and freelancing.

Success in IELTS

After intense preparation, I achieved a score of 7.0 in the IELTS exam. This accomplishment boosted my confidence as I applied to several German universities, eagerly awaiting their responses.

The Moment of Triumph

The Acceptance Letter

One morning, I received the email I had been waiting for: admission to a university in Berlin, the capital city of Germany! I was ecstatic, ready to finalize my visa requirements while continuing my freelancing journey. By this point, I had earned over $14,000.

The Visa Journey

I attended my appointment at the German Embassy and submitted the required funds for the blocked account. As I awaited my visa decision, my passion for freelancing began to wane, as my primary goal was within reach.

Achieving My Dream

The Call of a Lifetime

Finally, I received a call from a courier company informing me that my visa had arrived. I was overwhelmed with happiness, and soon after, I prepared for my departure. While it was difficult to leave my family and homeland, I knew this was the beginning of something greater.

A New Chapter

On November 4, 2021, I embarked on my journey to Berlin. Reflecting on my past struggles and the obstacles I had overcome, I realized that anything is possible with a dream and the courage to pursue it.

Conclusion

My story is a reminder that dreams are achievable, no matter the obstacles. With determination, hard work, and a belief in oneself, anyone can turn their aspirations into reality. I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.