Positive Reflection!
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
~African Proverb
When I look back at my Amal Fellowship journey, many sessions, deadlines, and discussions come to mind. But one experience stands out more than any workshop or assignment. It was not a grand moment or a formal session. It was a series of small, consistent acts of support from two people in my batch, Aafreen and Shaheer, during some of my most overwhelming weeks. Those weeks, when exams were underway and multiple commitments competed for my attention, quietly reshaped the way I think about independence, teamwork, and asking for help.
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There were Fridays when I would be juggling exam preparation with approaching project deadlines. Time was limited, and the pressure to maintain quality in my work felt intense. I remember asking Aafreen to share her project work so I could understand how to structure mine efficiently within the limited time I had. She did not hesitate. Her willingness to help allowed me to complete my work without compromising on quality. Similarly, I had not used spreadsheets in a long time and felt rusty. Whenever I reached out to Shaheer for help, he responded almost instantly with detailed explanations. It was never just a quick answer. It was thoughtful guidance that ensured I truly understood what I was doing.
What made this experience impactful was not just the academic support. It was the way it challenged a belief I had held for years. I have always seen myself as someone who prefers to work independently. I rarely ask for help unless it is absolutely necessary, and I tend to avoid helping others unless there is some clear exchange involved. Somewhere along the way, I had convinced myself that being self sufficient meant being strong. But during those weeks, I realized that this mindset was limiting. The generosity and openness shown by Aafreen and Shaheer made me question why I had associated collaboration with weakness. Their energy was genuine and uncalculated. They helped not because they expected something in return, but because that is who they chose to be.
A significant part of this realization was shaped by how they carried themselves. Their readiness to respond, their patience in explaining concepts, and their consistent support created an environment of trust. It made me feel comfortable asking questions without feeling inadequate. I began to see how collective growth is far more powerful than isolated effort. Their behavior reflected a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Instead of guarding their knowledge, they shared it freely. That energy influenced me deeply and made me rethink how I show up for others.
Looking back, I would do things differently. I would ask for help sooner rather than waiting until I felt cornered by necessity. I would also offer help more proactively, without calculating whether there is something to gain. I want to move away from the “lone wolf” mentality and toward being a more team oriented and efficient individual. This experience has motivated me to be more open, more collaborative, and more generous with my time and knowledge. I am certain that this shift in mindset will impact not only my academic journey but also my professional and personal life in the years to come.
Gratitude often feels like a small word for a big impact. But it is sincere when I say thank you to Aafreen and Shaheer. Through simple acts of support, they helped me complete assignments. More importantly, they helped me reshape my philosophy about growth, teamwork, and the courage to ask for help.
