I was somehow forced to shape my mind and think a little outside the box. I didn’t want to study what everyone usually studies and I definitely didn’t want to be tagged with the usual status of Dr.Bihi, even though my surname is a unique one which would do the medical field justice *wink*.
I ended up studying ‘science’ related course and I have become a medical radiation/radiotherapy graduate. A university course which ¾ of you might never heard off before. Just to save you the Google search, it’s a specialized method of treatment for cancer patients using radioactive material. So yeah if you ever hear the word radiography, we don’t work in radio stations or have anything to do with radio shows.
Today I have a degree under my belt, of which I can call one of the most intriguing courses one can ever embark on. Highly specialized and valued in the medical field. However, I’m yet to feel that I can do something more substantial with it. I don’t mean taking masters or PhD to do it justice; is just that I don’t want to shackle myself with 9am to 5pm job which I would be far too consumed with how to secure a comfortable lifestyle and ways to go up the ladder. It encourages individualistic approach to life. I’m for the thought that says you don’t live for yourself, you live for the sake of others, or else what’s the value of living with others if you're no use to them? I’m so eager to be the first to bring radiotherapy services to Somalia. Many die due to cancer and half of them they don’t get the right diagnosis because there isn’t good medical infrastructure in Somalia. I want to be the first to mobilize this side of medical specialist and why not? What’s stopping me?
I and my dear father would sometimes debate on the above point. His argument is that, I need to build myself and future in order to bring greater benefit to my people. I totally agree with him but not in this era, today we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves but outside the traditional ways. Having a degree is not everything today and this is something I can talk about at a later date. But why do we have to feel that we need to follow the safest route? Where is the adventurous soul in us? Nothing can shape a person other than going through trial and error, you become more vigilant and stronger than ever before and I rather take this path than be on the safe side and take the usual route.
Alhmduallah, as I speak I can say that I have had the opportunity to see and experience many things just in the past couple of months. Allah is generous and he opened many doors for me, I seek his guidance and he sees my intentions. Every day I mature a little, I see more and do more and I hope that every little that I treasure is something I can help my people and ummah with. My degree is waiting for me to use it wisely but for now I dedicate my time and energy for the sake of Somalia's crisis. But regardless, here I’m to embark on a personal challenge.
Life is good!
