We are always determined to pursue our dreams, but how far are you truly willing to go? For 18-year-old Akheruzzaman, his dreams of becoming a textile engineer meant he needed to go to some extraordinary lengths to get the money he needs for his school/degree.
Photojournalist GMB Akash found the man driving a rickshaw for ten days during Eid festival time (which he explained he went to because people are willing to pay more there), but Akheruzzaman explained that he had been driving rickshaws since 2014, when he needed money to be able to continue taking classes for he could get a textile engineering degree in garment designing in Dinajpur. He excitedly explained that he is close to finishing his degree.
Luckily his school has provided him with a 60% waiver because they understand his economic situation. In the ten days he’s at the festival, he’ll have enough money to pay tuition so that he can go back to school.
He explained further that at the beginning his friends would often laugh at him for working so hard, but over time they began to understand how serious he was taking school. A couple of friends even seem to be inspired by his work ethic, and that they are on their way to going back to school themselves.
He further explained to the photojournalist that his mother is often afraid for her son being in the big city and calls him multiple times a day to check on him and making sure he is eating and taking care of himself.
At the time GMB Akash found him, Akheruzzaman had passed Eid without his mother, and he explained how much he missed his family during that time. He explained-
“Yesterday was Eid day and I worked until late at night, I missed my parents so much. This is the first time I passed my Eid without my mother. This the first time I could not touch my mother’s feet and get blessings from her after returning from prayers.”
The 18-year-old’s dedication to obtaining money for school is truly a reminder that when it comes to our dreams, the sacrifices we make will always be worth it in the long run. He’s a true inspiration for everyone out there also pursuing their own goals!
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