Against all odds
Osama’s dream to wear the noble white coat
BEING brought up in a hostel, life has its fair share of trials and challenges. For Osama Bin Khalid, it was those challenges that moulded him to work hard and be a better person.
He grew up at the Drasa Madrasa and Orphans home. Imagine being put in a situation where you have to live with children from different underprivileged backgrounds — those from broken homes.
Those gruelling moments of hardship and trials motivated him to work towards his dream and attain a profession that would allow him to live and enjoy life.
After attaining his Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) qualification late last year, the Lautoka man could only look back and marvel at the hard yards he had to conquer to achieve his professional dream of becoming a doctor.
“It has been my childhood dream to be a doctor. I never dreamt of another profession,” Dr Khalid said.
“Since I was brought up in a hostel environment, the Drasa Madrasa and Orphans home, I met and befriended lots of students who came from broken families and underprivileged backgrounds, so I had this motivation in me to do something, to serve the people.
“Medicine is a noble profession. I was determined to do more in medicine after seeing my father get sick back in 2016 and since then it has been no turning back for me.”
His achievement in itself is worth mentioning as Dr Khalid is the first from Drasa to become a medical doctor.
Although his academic journey of six years required dedication and commitment, Dr Khalid said it was merely his faith in the Almighty that allowed him to steer clear through the hardships and achieve his dreams.
“God is surely the master planner.
“At times things don’t go according to our plan, but remember He is always there as the master planner and best of planners.
“So, give your best and trust the process.”
Growing up in the Drasabased home has also allowed Dr Khalid to acknowledge people around him.
While they may be of different races and religions, he believes that what’s most important is being kind and having the heart to assist and look out for those who need help.
“I like to extend my gratitude to the vanua of Vitogo Sukanacagi, who have always supported me, the turaga ni koro, who has had my back as an elder brother. I’ll strive to do my best to serve my vanua and my country.
“To the elders and leaders, we have students who are studying in various fields, please support them.
“You might think they have scholarships and other avenues, however, sometimes it’s not enough.
“When you encounter a student struggling, give him or her a tap on the shoulder, motivate them, support them by buying them a pen. It really means a lot to us students.”
Dr Khalid hopes to serve at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital.
God is surely is the master planner. At times things don’t go according to our plan, but remember He is always there as the master planner and best of planners – Osama Bin Khalid –