See It Right! ... A call for help and reflection

few days ago, my friend in Jordan sent me this full-of-determination letter written by the amazing Palestinian Samah.

 

To whom it may concern:

I am Samah Mahmoud Mohammed Ganem. I graduated from Jordan University as an English language and literature major in 1999.

For 2 years I have worked as a volunteer in one of the blind schools in Jordan. Working with blind kids along with my experience at the university motivated me to search for the best methods to teach blind kids not only to comprehend and master the language, but also to challenge their obstacle to do whatever they feel is right for them.

My further goal is to go on with my education in teaching English as a second language. Intention is to assist all blind students as well as teachers to acquire the best teaching and learning, techniques and methods, by going on with my education.

To be able to endeavor this aim in life, going on with education is essential, teachers similar to all majors need to update their methods especially in dealing with the most understanding generations. Teachers also are similar to doctors; they are specialized in the biological nature of their patients, while teachers deal with their patients’ minds, hearts and souls.

Being blind by birth as God has gently meant it for me gives me the role I would like to play over my life, to enlighten my blind sisters’ and brothers’ visions. It is the challenge to change people watching all those with special needs prospective in how to look at them.

Unable to see physically right, however we have an open mind willing to understand and comprehend the environment around.

Going on with my education is not an easy task; on my side I turn to your help and support. Please do share and offer your light to the dark city. One candle can spread the light farther to millions if given in honest support.

You are my wings beyond the wind.

In your offers I will have the power to improve for the best, I need to be stronger to aid my community; I would like to be one of the best soldiers to serve the best nation.

I can tell you with all confidence, Samah wrote these words herself. She wrote them not only to seek help, a very legitimate reason itself for someone with such a dream and determination, but also to teach all of us how to have a dream and live for it, how to look at the full half of the glass instead of the empty one, how to "see" this world full of opportunities and hope rather than seeing it full of evil, darkness and hatred and more importantly to teach us that while "we" keep blaming our fate for joys that we miss there are other humans very satisfied with their lives although they miss some joys that are very essential and vital for us that we cannot even imagine ourselves living without them.

You may be probably asking yourself now: but what can I do? Whoever and wherever you are you can do a lot for Samah. If you work or study in an academic institution you can knock the doors there with Samah's letter in your hand. There should be someone there who would be good enough to offer her a scholarship. If you work in a company approach those in charge and see if they can offer any help. If you have a friend or relative who is rich enough to sponsor a postgraduate student get in touch with them and translate Samah's dream into reality. Don't feel shy or embarrassed; you are not begging anyone for money, you are not doing it for yourself but rather for a good a noble cause. And if non of these apply to you remember that you always have something that you can do right now, spread the word!

If you think you can help or if you need more information please contact Tuleen Abu Shmais on her email

tshmais@gmail.com.