Bashir Himmat: A Beacon of Promise
It is both satisfying and touching to see the resolve and growth of our FEDAA scholars and to envision each, pursuing with hope their lifelong dreams, starting with a higher education. Bashir Himmat is no exception. Against formidable odds, he is completing his second year at Kardan University. Initially he was hit hard with the loss of his father—his model and rock—"a true pillar of strength and support in my life.” Still in high school but as the eldest child, Bashir had the added responsibility of looking after the well-being of his entire family.
Although not well off, Bashir was always keenly aware of those who were even poorer and in greater need than he. Everyday scenes of hardship and poverty were the backdrop for his compassion in his native land. “One of my most cherished memories from childhood was visiting a rural village…We spent the whole day distributing food and clothing to the families, and the joy and gratitude on their faces was indescribable.”
Bashir decided he could help the country and its people prosper by channeling his fortes of ambition, discipline and academic excellence into a business degree. “I am passionate about using my knowledge and skills to create innovative solutions to pressing social and economic issues…I hope to build on this foundation by pursuing further education and experience, and by starting my own business.”
Bashir has already assumed a leadership role among his fellow classmates by staying in touch regularly with them as well as with FEDAA Board members. More concretely, he has been arranging for the other FEDAA scholars in his class to come together to discuss pertinent matters on campus in regular “Hamkaran” luncheon meetings, which are a social component of FEDAA’s Scholar support structure. In addition, he has been involved in student affairs, participating in booths at campus fairs and addressing student-related issues.