In Hyderabad, the second largest city of Sindh, there lived a boy who went by the name of Hamza. He was the second of four siblings and a student of grade eight. He was not good at a few subjects, namely biology, mathematics and physics, though Hamza was exceptionally well at all the other subjects that were put on his plate that year. Hamza tried very hard to excel in those three subjects, but every time he tried, he failed to achieve that particular goal of his.

In his family, there were many people who had a background in biology and were doing very well in their career. Seeing such a scenario around them, Hamza’s parents decided that all their children should study biology. The boy did not go against his parents’ decision because he was an obedient child who believed that the decision one’s parents make for their children is always right.

Whenever Hamza had his weekly assessments’ results, his parents would scold him for not obtaining good marks in the three subjects he was weak in. His parents would often be called to the school so that Hamza’s educational problems would be discussed. That too never resulted in much use as his teachers would enforce their opinions on him, instead of listening to him. The boy became more upset as the days passed.

He knew that if he took biology out of the equation, he would be able to focus on mathematics and physics in a much better way. A lot of effort was required to excel in the two subjects, but the fear of not being able to score well in biology drained Hamza of his energy. Deep inside, the lad knew what he really wanted, but he never had the courage to speak up for it. He enjoyed computer-related activities. He had friends in school who studied computer studies and Hamza always listened carefully whenever his friends talked about computer related stuff. He knew he should be studying computer instead of biology.

And one day, Hamza became fed up with the poor result, the constant scolding and the unnecessary pile of opinions being thrown at him. He mustered up the courage to talk to his parents regarding this issue. As he tried his best to explain his point to his parents, his siblings spoke in support of him too.

Though the parents were confused at what they were hearing, they agreed to change Hamza’s major from biology to computer studies. The boy’s face lit up with pure joy as he heard his parents’ approval. His eyes glistened with tears of happiness as he gave warm, cuddly hugs, also known as ‘bear hugs’ to his parents.

He was told by everyone in his house to do well now that he would be studying the subject of his choice. Hamza told them that they will be hearing of great results from his side within a month.

As soon as he got enrolled in the section where computer studies was being offered, he tried his best to catch up with all the previously taught work as fast as he could. And he was able to achieve his goal this time. Not only did he score exceedingly well at his weekly test of computer studies, but he was also able to focus well in mathematics and physics.

It took him a few more weeks until he got a hold on those two subjects too. He then did very well in all his subjects. No energy of his was being drained and Hamza was really happy with the way things turned out for him. He finally realised the key to ultimate happiness is in working hard and never giving up.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 26th, 2020