Doha: Behind the success of this year’s graduates stand hundreds of proud parents who have made infinite sacrifices to see their sons and daughters accomplish one of life’s key milestones. As the fresh graduates of 2013 bid farewell to their university campuses at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and prepare to embark on a promising career, their parents reflect on the journey they have taken and the remarkable personal growth they have observed in their children.
One such parent is Ali Hamad Al Badr, who expressed joy at seeing his son, Hamad being recognised with an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMU-Q), and says he feels blessed to watch his son’s hard work come to fruition as he receives a degree in mechanical engineering.
“This day is indescribable. It is great to see that Hamad has been rewarded for all of his hard work over the past five years and to know that what lies ahead for him is undoubtedly a blossoming future,” said Al Badr.
Although Hamad, 25, initially intended to study abroad, he quickly changed his mind after learning about the challenging mechanical engineering programme at TAMU-Q, which he felt would be the perfect match for his future career goals.
“Texas A&M is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world for engineering sciences. The fact that it is in Qatar has brought me even closer to my family and friends,” explains Hamad. Hamad’s father believes that Qatar Foundation’s exclusive learning environment has significantly enhanced many aspects of his son’s character and enabled him to attain outstanding academic success. “From the moment he entered the Academic Bridge Program until his graduation from university, Hamad has learned a tremendous amount about his academic and personal interests. After joining Texas A&M, he became more confident and developed into a young man who loved a challenge,” says Al Badr.
He adds, “Being at university taught him how to manage his time and he succeeded at managing all of his school, family and professional responsibilities. Hamad even began to pursue his entrepreneurial interests.” One example of Hamad’s drive to become an entrepreneur is the award he recently received from the Social Development Center, a member of Qatar Foundation. His ‘BeehivEnurship Café’ project won in the New Venture Challenge category.
“This project was part of my future career plans and it has definitely helped to transform me into a better businessman. It has also given me more credibility in this region for any future endeavours that I may choose to pursue,” reflects Hamad. Al Bader praised Qatar Foundation for successfully establishing a unique educational environment that fosters creative thinking, while at the same time upholding the customs and traditions of Qatar’s rich heritage. He noted that the cultural diversity at Qatar Foundation enriched the academic experience of its students, exposing them to a variety of nationalities and backgrounds.
“My son’s experience at Texas A&M has not only helped him to pursue his academic and professional dreams in the field of engineering, but encouraged him to ‘think outside the box’ and to explore the world of business and commerce. I am very pleased with all of Hamad’s achievements,” says Al Bader.
Reflecting on his son’s overall academic and personal experience, Mr Al Bader highlighted the importance of investing early in a child’s education.
“I would definitely recommend that parents encourage their children to apply to the universities at Qatar Foundation. They should support them in selecting the academic path that they would like to take, and then let them choose the university that they feel is the best fit for them. Qatar requires qualified and talented youth to further the nation’s development across all sectors. Investing in a child’s education as early as possible is crucial to securing this success.”
The Peninsula
