“I am the second of four brothers and my family was doing better before. My father had a successful business but now that he has gotten old, he can no longer run it properly.

My older brother started working as a clerk in a local bank, but was not paid enough to support our family. One of my younger brothers came to Islamabad to study, which gave me hope that I can turn my life around as well.

I packed my bags and came to Rawalpindi some three years ago. The first challenge I faced was of finding accommodation. I tried calling relatives and friends, but no one helped me. So, I looked for a room in a hostel and rented a room in the cheapest I could find.

The next thing to do was finding a job, which took longer than I expected, so much so that I ran out of money. After getting disappointed from everywhere, I started working as a helper in a burger joint in Satellite Town, working the shift from midnight to noon.

Two months later, I enrolled in a B.Com degree in the Punjab College. I go to college in the evening and then to work. I am in my third year now.

Because of my hard work and how much I have learnt, the owner of the shop gave me a raise and a promotion. I want to get a government job after I get my degree, but if not, I can start a fast food joint.

The one thing I have learnt is to never rely on relatives when you are in need”

Published in Dawn January 28th, 2017