From Herding Buffalo to Achieving Dreams | Turning Challenges into Stepping-Stones for Success | by Rasool Bux Sarang | Inspiring Story #184

I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, a skin condition that left white patches on my skin. Every day I suffered the taunt of social stigma. People hated seeing my patches, and silent judgements weighed heavily upon me.

I struggled to maintain my self-esteem. I battled depression, and there was a dark moment when I contemplated ending my own life by jumping from a jambul tree. Thankfully, my elder brother intervened, his stern words preventing a tragic mistake.

Your Challenges Are Stepping-Stones to Success

The challenges life set before me didn't dissuade my spirit; rather, they became stepping stones toward realizing my dreams. I turned to writing prose and poetry as an outlet for my emotions and creativity. I got published and won competitions, gaining not just recognition but also the confidence to keep moving forward.

I began college studies when I was hit with another roadblock. My father's limited means couldn't cover my further education. Undeterred, I resolved to find a part-time job to fund my education. This is where my love of reading newspapers and magazines came into play. I knew of linotype machines that brought text to life, and the art of calligraphy that graced headings and captions. My handwriting was good, and I had developed a passion for calligraphy, so I decided to try my luck with a leading Daily newspaper.

Try Your Luck, Go for Your Dreams

One fine day, without telling a soul, I boarded a bus bound for Hyderabad, a city that lay fifty kilometers from my village. My heart raced with anticipation as I got closer to my destination.

Guided by kind strangers, I navigated bustling, unfamiliar streets, until I found myself at the newspaper's counter. I presented my calligraphy skills and requested work. A kind person took me to another senior person upstairs, who offered me my very first opportunity...

An internship with a stipend. This was one of the happiest days of my life. I was a teenager trying my luck, and I’d secured employment on my own! From tending buffaloes to reading books to the beginning of dreams.

A biscuit was my lunch during my three-month internship. The rest of the money went on bus tickets. Within a year, under the guidance of senior calligraphers, my skills improved. I was advanced a pen and other tools. I switched jobs twice and finally found a position with a good salary.

Just like my Uncle initiated a significant turning point in my childhood, many other mentors showed up to help me realize my dreams. I secured an editorial position, delved into advertising, and transitioned to the realm of digital media. A pivotal achievement was purchasing my first personal computer.

And the most wonderful milestone of all - I did make it to University in Karachi where I attained an MBA in marketing and advertising. I’ve worked at prestigious organizations and even found the love of my life.

Now, when I reflect on the laughter and doubtful glances of the village students, their opinions hold no weight. What truly matters is that I nurtured the dreams ignited by those books and persevered. Just as I guided the buffalo with my wooden cane, I navigated through challenges and hardships, steering my life's course.

I've proven that with a little luck, a willingness to work, and kind mentors, dreams can come true. Life may not always be easy, but it's important to never stop dreaming. When you believe in yourself and use your natural talents, anything is possible. I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter what obstacles they may face.