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Introduction

“I nearly gave up, but faith, perseverance, and patience carried me through.” This was my reality as a student navigating life in Türkiye. What began as a lonely academic pursuit without financial support transformed into a story of delayed success and divine timing. In this piece of writing, I’ll share my honest journey: how I turned rejection into redirection, how I missed one golden opportunity only to be blessed with two better ones, and how staying committed to my dreams opened doors in ways I never imagined.

Starting from Scratch in Türkiye

In 2023, I arrived in Türkiye as an international student. The dream was bold, but the reality? Humbling. This includes tuition fees, rent, daily meals, and navigating a new language, all these challenges weighed heavily on me as an international student in Türkiye. With no scholarship or financial support, I had to rely on myself entirely. I worked part-time jobs (such as teaching, writing etc.) to make ends meet, lived on a tight budget, and let go of many comforts just to stay afloat. Despite the financial strain and cultural hurdles, I remained steadfast in my goal: to pursue my education and build a future rooted in purpose, faith, and meaningful impact. It wasn’t easy, but the vision I held for my future kept me going.

The Russian Detour: A Bittersweet Victory

Months into my stay, I received an incredible offer: a fully funded scholarship to study in Russia. It was validation after so many struggles. But then came the twist- I had to decline it.

Why?

Although the offer to study in Russia came as a beacon of hope, several factors made it difficult to accept. I faced significant visa and documentation complications that delayed the process. I also had growing concerns about the academic program’s alignment with my long-term goals. Most importantly, I felt an internal conviction that something about the path didn’t sit right with my personal and spiritual values. After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to decline the scholarship. It was painful to walk away from such a rare opportunity, but I chose to trust the process and hold on to hope that something better was ahead.

Double Blessings: YTB and Diyanet Scholarships

Then, just when I least expected it, the doors began to open. Within a few months, I was awarded the Türkiye Bursları (YTB), one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the country. Shortly after, I received yet another remarkable opportunity: the Diyanet Scholarship, a fully funded program specifically designed for students pursuing Islamic studies. These weren’t just financial awards but they were powerful affirmations of my journey. For the first time, I felt more than just a student struggling to survive; I felt seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

A Global Leap: Islamic Finance and the UK Opportunity

Just when I thought the blessings had peaked, an unexpected opportunity came my way, an internship role from a UK-based international Islamic finance organization. What started as a learning experience quickly evolved into something bigger, as I was soon promoted to the role of consultant. In this position, I had the privilege of working on impactful projects in Shariah Auditing, policy development, and specialized  research. It was more than just professional growth, it was the realization of a vision I had long nurtured, bringing together my academic passion and commitment to ethical, purpose-driven finance. Additionally, during this journey, I successfully completed my certification exam in Shariah Auditing and Advisory, earning the professional title of Certified Shariah Auditor and Advisor (CSAA). This wasn’t just a job; it was purpose in motion. It proved that investing in your growth, even when no one else sees it yet, always pays off.

Conclusion

From struggling to survive as a self-funded student in Türkiye to thriving under two prestigious scholarships and contributing internationally in the field of Islamic finance, my journey has taught me a powerful lesson: never let your current hardship cloud your vision of future possibilities. Rejection, delays, and discomfort may sting, but they often serve as the groundwork for your greatest breakthroughs. So, if you find yourself deep in the trenches right now, don’t give up. Keep digging, your gold might just be a layer away.

Are you on a similar journey of waiting, hoping, or hustling? Share your story in the comments-we grow stronger together. And don’t forget to follow ANSSA for more inspiring journeys like this!