"I want to re-establish what Muslims have lost."
-Roman Fatima
Author: Stuti Ajmera
August, 2021
The 5th of September, 2018 will be a day I will never forget.
When I got home from school, it was just like any other day. I recall lying on the sofa for a while, relaxing, and then falling asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I saw white walls and a bed I didn't recognise. I was lying in a hospital bed in the intensive care unit, completely baffled as to why and how I had ended up here. Later, my parents informed me that I had suffered from a severe seizure, and it was on that day that I realised this was not temporary.
When I returned home after about 10-15 days, the weight of board exams was on my shoulders. Recovery and studies became a burdensome responsibility I had to fulfil by any means, while I had just gotten out of the hospital. This lethal combination did little to calm my nerves and eventually took a toll on my health and exams, causing me to perform terribly. After finishing high school, I decided to take a year off before applying for graduation.
I am currently pursuing my graduation in Spanish Language and Culture, and I am looking forward to doing my masters in the same and choosing Spanish Literature as my main subject during my higher studies. I feel like I’m getting closer to my dream everyday. I'd like to delve into the literary work, history, culture, and religion of ‘Al - Andalus’ -- the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian peninsula. I want to re-establish what Muslims have lost.
Despite health issues, I have been able to come this far and nothing can stop me now. I have a dream and parents who are supportive which is all I need to push myself further.