Humaid Al-Shamsi: Some Dreams Never Die
Humaid Al-Shamsi, Director of Burjeel Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
”Some Dreams Never Die.
In 1998, despite achieving the highest score in my Scottish Highers and having an amazing interview for admission to University of Glasgow Medical School, I was rejected. I was in shock as I had done everything I could, spending my days, nights, and entire weekends preparing for my exams. The rejection left me sad, down, and severely disappointed; it felt like a major failure.
However, my parents were supportive and told me, ‘Why are you sad? Allah knows what is best for you. You just have to let go and keep going.’ Their words comforted me, and I moved forward , yet that ‘failure’ haunted me for many years to come.
Over the next few years, I experienced some of the best years of my medical education at University College Cork, one of the National Universities of Ireland. There, I made lifelong friends, had amazing colleagues, and enjoyed a supportive system.
Fast forward 26 years, I found myself back in Glasgow, attending my Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow graduation. This graduation brought back many memories. Nevertheless, it served as a reminder that some dreams never die.
Standing there, I realized that every setback was a setup for something greater. The journey I took, although different from what I initially dreamed of or planned, led me to wonderful experiences and personal growth. My rejection from Glasgow University Medical School was not the end but a redirection to a path that was ultimately MUCH better for me.
Returning to Glasgow as a graduate felt like a full-circle moment. It was a testament to resilience, perseverance, and faith. My story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can still lead to fulfilling and rewarding destinations. Dreams might be deferred, but they are never forgotten.”
Source: Humaid Al-Shamsi/LinkedIn