A Journey That Did Not Stop at Challenges
For Sarah Abdullah Ali Al-Qahtani, a graduate of the College of Science with a specialization in General Chemistry, her university journey was far more than years of study culminating in a degree. It was a journey marked by personal challenges that helped shape her character and strengthen her determination. Stuttering had accompanied her for many years, making everyday situations more difficult, particularly those that required speaking in front of others and expressing her ideas with confidence.
Although public speaking posed a significant challenge for her, she refused to let it stand in the way of her dreams. Sarah emphasizes that, over time, she learned that a person’s worth is not measured by how fluently they speak, but by their knowledge, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles.
Sarah chose to study chemistry because of her early passion for understanding chemical reactions and the phenomena around her. Over the years, she became increasingly convinced that the field was the right choice for her, as it provided opportunities to develop scientific thinking, analytical skills, research, and exploration.
She describes the beginning of her university experience as one of the most difficult periods of her life. She was aware that university life relied heavily on presentations, discussions, and active participation, all of which caused her anxiety because of her stutter. Nevertheless, she decided to face her fears gradually, participating and speaking despite her hesitation. With each new experience, she gained greater confidence in herself.
Reflecting on moments of frustration, Sarah says that she sometimes considered giving up, particularly when she felt that her stutter prevented her from expressing her ideas the way she wanted. However, she would soon remind herself that success does not mean the absence of difficulties, but rather the ability to keep moving forward despite them.
Her family was her greatest source of support throughout her journey, alongside a number of professors and fellow students who believed in her abilities and recognized her dedication and knowledge above all else. The university also played an important role in strengthening her self-confidence by providing opportunities to participate in activities and events and to speak before audiences.
Sarah sums up the feeling of graduation in one word: “victory.” She emphasizes that this moment represented not only a triumph over the challenges of academic study, but also a victory over years of fear, hesitation, and anxiety—and proof of her ability to achieve her goals despite the challenges she faced.
Sarah’s message to every student facing similar challenges is not to allow any obstacle to place limits on their dreams. Difficulties may make the journey longer, but they do not make reaching the destination impossible.