"Forgive Us... The Stage is Set"

At one pleasant social gathering, I sat at a table surrounded by four chairs. I did not recognize two of the people seated there, so we introduced ourselves. A woman began by speaking about the importance of social events that bring together many people from diverse backgrounds and specialties in Kuwaiti society, allowing them to get to know one another and exchange experiences. She also spoke briefly about her own field.

An elderly man then continued her remarks, introducing himself as a former ambassador. He talked about his career, his postings and travels, and his good social relations with many peoples around the world, and how he had passed these qualities on to his children.

He began speaking about his children, who had studied at international schools and universities, and how they had managed to build strong personalities that serve society. I listened with admiration, because I am a good listener and dislike interrupting speakers, and because I admire any father in the world who takes pride in his sons and daughters and invests in their development for the future. Since he spoke at length, there was not enough time for others to speak about themselves.

He asked me where I had graduated from university, and I replied that I had graduated from Kuwait University. He expressed surprise, asking, “Why? Why didn’t you study abroad? Universities there are stronger and better.” I was about to tell him that my father was not an ambassador, but I avoided that heavy-handed joke and instead answered that I was happy to have graduated from Kuwait University in a strong major that finds its appropriate place in distinguished jobs around the world, and that respect is not limited to doctors and engineers.

He added that I should learn a foreign language, so I told him I was considering it, especially since I love traveling. He then turned to the woman who had spoken earlier and said to her, “Let your children study at better international universities.” The woman did not respond, and signs of displeasure were evident on her face.

Perhaps this man’s persona as an informed and cultured individual was appealing, carrying much experience and stories he could talk about for hours with people ready only to listen. But the listener who remains silent also has stories to tell, which may carry many lessons for others.

I have mentioned before, and I still maintain, that the notion that anyone who studies abroad is smarter than students who study within Kuwait must change, and as soon as possible. These beliefs have caused Kuwaiti families to bear heavy financial burdens due to educating their children in private schools; everyone wants their children to speak multiple languages, and some now view students in public schools as inferior or more “backward” than those in private schools. After graduation, many seek to enroll their children in international universities, and when they return to Kuwait, they demand priority in employment. Consider this societal attitude that has led many to pressure themselves into paying thousands of dinars annually for education.

My dear friends, the intelligent and cultured person will succeed wherever they are. It is not the means that causes their success, but their inner desire to be an important element in society. I may have studied in public (free) schools, and my father may have been among those who learned in literacy schools and obtained a middle-school certificate. That did not prevent him from ensuring that we would learn better and become better than him. In fact, he used to say, “My daughter will become a famous cartoonist in Kuwait.”

I excelled in the scientific field of geology, in international artistic participations, and in meeting several ambassadors and important figures in society, without my university being international or me speaking multiple languages. It is not important that our parents hold prestigious positions for us to be happy and proud of ourselves. We must be content and satisfied without shame, and we should not wear a garment that does not suit us in order to achieve what we want.

No one chooses their starting point in life, but every person chooses where they want to go.