Taking Flight
Reflecting on how the last day of the fellowship went
I believe that connections are an essence of one’s life and stronger connections are built only when true selves are revealed. This resonates with the fact that “Humans are social animals” but no one emphasizes that the right company and atmosphere are a must for this.
I came to Amal Fellowship with some goals. Being good at socializing was one of them, and I am glad it has helped me improve. The best part, however, is finding some very good people through it. We have had plenty of learning experiences through this fellowship that have contributed to taking flight in our lives.
Some moments in life touch your heart so deeply that they become a part of you, unforgettable. The last session of my Amal Academy fellowship, called Taking Flight was one of those moments. It wasn’t just an end; it was a heartfelt celebration of growth, togetherness, and the beginning of a journey that would carry us far beyond that room.
“Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes aren’t final, when you only mean we’ll miss you, until we meet again”
This last session was Different because, Some moments carry a bittersweet weight, blending gratitude with goodbye. Sir Hasnat, ever the thoughtful mentor, prepared an activity that left a mark on each of us. We received empty envelopes, wrote our names, and hung them on the whiteboard, transforming the room into a quiet space of anticipation.
With sticky notes in hand, we wrote words of appreciation for one another, each note a piece of our shared journey. As we slipped them into each other’s envelopes, soft music filled the room, amplifying the bittersweet feeling. It was a moment where we felt truly seen and valued, wrapped in the quiet gratitude of friendships formed. These are the moments that enrich our lives and remind us that we’re not alone on this journey
After the heartwarming activity inside, we stepped outside, forming a large circle on the ground. Together, we held a rope, weaving a web that symbolized the bonds we had built throughout the fellowship. One by one, each of us shared memories and reflections from our journey, and each story added a unique thread to this web. Listening to one another felt like flipping through a scrapbook, where every laugh and challenge represented a chapter of growth.
This final gathering wasn’t just a closing event it was a reminder of the strength and resilience we had built together, forming a family we knew would last beyond our time here.
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As the time for our farewell approached, we decided to make the moment memorable. We planned a lunch together, complete with a farewell cake and chocolates, marking the end of our session in the most heartfelt way. The lunch wasn’t just about food it was an emotional moment, a blend of laughter and goodbyes, as we all came together to reflect on our journey. We sang songs, engaged in various activities, and shared memories, each one an echo of the bonds we had formed.
Among us, a small group of Engineers gathered for a special picture. In those moments, surrounded by peers from the same field, I felt a surge of courage and a deep sense of belonging. We were the only ones from an engineering background in the session, supporting each other on topics that others might not fully grasp technical challenges, field-related conversations, and a bond that extended beyond the usual introductions and interview prep.
This photo, taken just as we bid farewell, felt like capturing the strength and solidarity unique to Engineers a reminder that even as this journey ends, the connection we’ve built remains strong
We had all felt quite emotional, the sadness was overwhelming, but to lift our spirits, everyone decided to visit Funland, hoping the change of scenery would lighten the mood. We went, and there, we enjoyed several rides, including the Dragon Ship.I felt a bit scared, but Sheeza, being a brave girl, made it easier. And with Sir Hasnat sitting beside us saying, “Make some noise, and the fear will go away,” I didn’t feel as scared anymore. But the real adventure began when we thought about going on the DISCOVERY RIDE. At first, I was scared, a lot scared, and I hesitated to go. But Sir Hasnat, with his usual encouragement, convinced me to join. It turned out to be one of the best, most joyful experiences of my life, and I fully embraced it because, when friends are around, everything becomes much more enjoyable. I was sitting with Asim, and Sir Hasnat and Mahad joined us too. When we were rotating 180 degrees, Sir Hasnat jokingly said, “The world is round, the world is round,” and it was his way of pushing away the fear. He always said that when you’re scared, make more noise, and the fear disappears. Sir Hasnat was more than a mentor he was a friend, and we enjoyed this fellowship in the best way possible.We even named our group Atank Gang as we laughed and made memories together
Abdul Raheem, our dear friend and photographer, Ali Raza, Abdur Rafy, Muzammil and others like Bilal and Skindar were all part of these unforgettable moments. Additionally, there were those who supported us along the way, such as Ali Advocate, Usman Yousaf, and Umer Farooq. Thank you all for being there for us. These were the moments that became treasured, unique memories of our time together.
The Amal Fellowship has taught me many lessons, but two of the most impactful ones revolve around the importance of emotional Connection and Effective communication. As we wrapped up our final session, I realized how valuable it was to simply connect with others, without the pressure of work or deadlines. Sometimes, just being present, sharing moments of joy, and supporting each other emotionally can have a profound impact. These moments of connection, like our farewell activities and group photo sessions, reminded me that building strong relationships is just as crucial as technical skills. The energy we shared, the laughter, and the support were vital in uplifting us all.
Moreover, the Fellowship has deepened my understanding of networking. I’ve learned that it’s not just about professional advancement; it’s about fostering meaningful relationships based on respect, trust, and mutual support. These connections create a network of people who can inspire and help you grow, both Personally and Professionally. Going forward, I plan to nurture the friendships and relationships I’ve built during this journey, staying in touch through group chats and regular check-ins. These bonds, built on shared experiences and mutual growth, are what will continue to guide and inspire me long after the Fellowship ends.
Thank you, Amal, for this unforgettable experience. The memories, lessons, and relationships I’ve gained here are invaluable, and I’m excited to carry them with me as I step into the future.
Final Note
To conclude, I would say that being a part of Batch-322 and forming friendships with all these incredible people, with the guidance of Sir Hasnat and Mam Mahnur Kanwar, has profoundly impacted my life. I am deeply grateful for the chance to work and create cherished memories with each person I was connected to, whether it was by chance or by fate.
