Perseverance in the face of challenges
Hassan Arshad Mughal faced some big challenges at such a young age, but he did not let that define him. He bravely faced every challenge and according to him, “Quitting is not an option.”
He faced first set back when his father passed way. He was then in kindergarten. That loss pushed his family into financial crisis. But somehow the family managed with the help of close relatives and Hassan finished his primary schooling.
Mr Mughal is currently a student of BS Civil Engineering at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. He belongs to Daska, a small town near Sialkot. He completed his FSC Punjab College, Gujranwala. After that he applied for admission in NUST and University of Engineering and technology (UET), Lahore. He got admission in both the universities because of his high marks. NUST is quite expensive as compared to UET. But because of its ranking in top class universities in the world he opted for NUST. His family at that time did not have any substantial source of income. But he got a position in Gujranwala board in F.Sc exams so half of his university expenses are paid by the government.
Mughal again faced a hard time when his mother was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. She went through a rigorous treatment for one and a half year. The usual treatment for Hepatitis C is for 6 months in Pakistan but his mother had to three such treatments as one treatment was inefficient in removing the virus.
“The side effects of her treatment were like chemotherapy, so it was very difficult to see her getting weak day by day,” he said.
That situation was also financially troubling because of the expensive treatment. It was also for him to concentrate on studies, but he knew he had no other option. He had to become something in life to support his family.
Mr Mughal said that at times handling such situation become extremely difficult. “I sometimes panic but with the help of my sisters I manage not to lose control,” he said.
He said that his family is very supportive particularly his three elder sisters. He said, “I ask for my sisters’ advice in every situation from what to wear to a major life decision.”
After coming to NUST, Hassan Arshad applied in various societies. He started leaning photography by covering small events in the university. He then realized that he loves photography and wants to take it side by side as a passion.
“The first time I started doing photography I instantly knew in my heart that this is my passion,” he said.
He also learned graphic designing and now works as a freelancer. He covers various major events in the NUST like NIMUN and Homecoming. Further he also covers various weddings and related events. He bears his personal expenses and half of his university fees through freelancing. But he does not let it disturb his studies. He only takes orders on weekends. He has a high GPA of 3.75 despite of high number of extracurricular activities he participates in.
“I give 70 percent to my studies while 30 percent is reserved for photography.”
He buys expensive equipment with the money he gets from event coverage and that further helps him in enhancing his skills.
He wants to go abroad for his masters in civil engineering preferably in US as he said he gets inspired by how progressive US is in terms of technology.
He firmly believes that education is the key to progressively move in society. He said that even when he did not have expenses, he never thought of quitting education.
“Never give up on education even in financial crisis, just take one step and Allah will open doors for you in ways you cannot even imagine,” he said. And this is the motto he lives by his life.
