Visual impairment is not an obstacle for Emtithal Awad Khadr

Where there’s a will, there is a way. These words best describe the story of a brilliant legal graduate who despite suffering from visually impairment managed to obtain a bachelor’s degree in law.

The 23-year-old Sudanese student of law at the Ajman University of Science and Technology has topped her college with distinction.

Emtithal Awad Khadr did not give up or surrender to the disability she was born with but emerged a winner, thanks to the encouragement and support of her family, particularly her mother, who spent days and night studying with her.

“I always had a problem moving, studying, and dealing with people,” Khadr told Khaleej Times. “However, with a firm will and, of course, the help of my parents, two brothers and four sisters, I decided to challenge all obstacles.”

It was not easy to manage even the daily affairs of life with such impairment, but Almighty Allah was always there for me,

“Although I was born and raised in Ajman, I used to go to the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.”

Khadr then moved to Al Hikma School in Ajman where she passed her secondary school examination with flying colours scoring 96 per cent. “My teachers and fellows were very cooperative.”

The turning point in Khadr’s life came when she decided to fight her visual impairment. “I did want to do something significant in my life and turn all obstacles into steps for excellence.”

“Of course, it was not stress-free, but we not only did it, but more importantly our mother-daughter bond grew much stronger.”

With the support from a scholarship from Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, she decided to pursue her higher university studies in law which does not require any pictorial study or a high score in TOEFL.

“Taking up law as a subject in university, was another challenge up my sleeve as I had never studied anything about it before.”

She was about to give up after the first semester because she find the course too tough.

“But, my professors and colleagues were very helpful.”

Khadr used the screen reader on her laptop when readable texts were available. “I learnt braille but did not complete and almost forgot everything about it.”

Currently doing a computer course, and planning to join some English courses as well as memorising the Holy Quran by heart, Khadr does hope to complete her post-graduation as well. She also tries to take time out for practicing her favourite hobby. “Even with my busy schedule, I am fond of writing poetry and short stories.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com