Khaberni - In a story that encapsulates the meaning of determination and honest labor, a young man from the Manara area in the Jordanian capital, Amman, narrates his journey from collecting scrap in the streets to earning a PhD degree, affirming that ambition can change fate no matter the circumstances.
The following is written by Dr. Ahmed :
From Scrap Collection to PhD "My name is Ahmed Talal Al-Abd, I am 35 years old from the Manara area – Amman "
In the neighborhood, they call me Dr. Ahmed the scrap guy, and this nickname has become a badge of honor for me, not just a name
I was a ninth-grade student, and living conditions were difficult, so I started working by collecting scrap in the neighborhood to help myself and my family
Over time I became known in the neighborhood, they'd call me for events to collect empty cola cans
But sadly, with the work, I started to lose focus on my studies, and I only went to school to show up... until I failed the high school final exams in all subjects
But I didn't give up
I expanded my project and soon had a "pickup" and a warehouse, and after a while, it turned into 3 pickups and a bigger warehouse for collecting scrap
At the age of 24, I made a decision that changed my life…
I decided to take the high school final exams again, studied hard, and succeeded with a score of 78
And from there, my ambition was born anew
I applied to universities, and got accepted into Mutah University, where I studied Geography, and completed my bachelor's degree at the age of 28
And after university hours, I would return to work collecting scrap
But my ambition didn't stop there, I continued with a master's, and then a PhD, and thanks to God, today I am officially Dr. Ahmed the scrap guy
I still work in the same profession I started with, but today it has become a symbol of challenge, dignity, and honest labor
I write these words in hopes they convey a message:
Work is not shameful, what’s shameful is to stand still and give up
Work is worship, and work is the path to comfort and success
And I still believe that:
Your work is your pride, and the fruits of your labor are your true title"
