Mohammed Al-Asmar : From street sweeper to university graduate

While will is the force that drives a person to take the first step toward their goal, having determination is what keeps them going until the end. This drive for success is evident in the case of the young, hardworking street sweeper, Mohammed Al-Asmar.اضافة اعلان

Working on the crowded, narrow streets of Baqaa camp, Asmar’s long hours consisted of cleaning alleys, picking up refuse, and sweeping roads. But during every break and every time he stopped to catch his breath, he was studying for his bachelor’s degree.



At 27 years old, Asmar is a recent graduate of Jerash Private University. He studied accounting, and received a grade average of “very good”. He is a living example of strong will and ambition.

“It wasn’t easy to study and work at the same time, but I wanted to make my dream come true and build a future,” Asmar told Jordan News.

“I decided to pursue my education when I started working. I always wanted to study at university, and I was determined despite all circumstances and my professional and familial responsibilities.”

Motivation
“When I started working for the Greater Amman Municipality, I had not earned my high school diploma. Back then I was working hard for long hours but I always felt I could do more,” Asmar said. He decided to study for the IT stream of the Tawjihi (general secondary education certificate examination).

“I was affiliated with a private university, and I was paying fees for a loan that I got which I am paying till now.”

It wasn’t easy to study and work at the same time, but I wanted to make my dream come true and build a future.

“I wanted to study accounting. When I finished my studies and got very good grades, I wanted to get a higher degree,” Asmar added.

“I was studying after my working hours and while cleaning alleys and streets. I would put my headphones in my ears to listen to my lectures and would read my textbooks whenever I had time. I had no choice, so I worked from 2:30pm till 10:30pm.”

“The hardest of times was when I had an exam to take and couldn’t get a day off. Between work, studying, and home responsibilities, it was stressful, but I wanted to succeed for myself and for the future of my family.”

Overcoming obstacles
Asmar told Jordan News that “studying on the streets during long working hours, going to university, and getting back to work is stressful. Balancing between hours of a long job and studying that needs focus leaves you exhausted, but it’s worth it.”

“It was difficult for me to go all the way between my job at the camp, to attending my lectures, and sometimes going to Amman. The transportation was time-consuming and I was looking for any time I could review my books, prepare, and read. Thanks to God, my efforts were rewarded.”



Asmar celebrated on social media, concluding his post with: “Man must not stop dreaming. Working hard for a better reality is the only way to achieve what one wants. Life is not easy and requires enduring effort, and trust Allah.”


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