For all of my life, I had never thought of my future. I considered myself too young for this kind of thinking. For years, I thought like this; until the day of my graduation. I was getting ready for my ceremony when my father popped up in my room. He was very touched, for he said that I had grown so quickly. He said, “Son, you are a man now. You will have to take your responsibilities. Your future is in your hands. ” His words gave me goose bumps. I had the feeling that all my life, I was asleep, and suddenly, my father woke me up! I started thinking. Thinking deeply… about the most important thing ahead of me… y future. I thought of studying architecture. I had always loved drawing buildings, monuments, and furniture. I told my father of my ideas.
The first thing that came out of his mouth was, “Son, are you sure? It is a very hard subject. Are you sure you are capable of this? ” The answer was yes, but he still insisted. I suddenly knew my mission. I had to prove my father wrong… totally wrong. I finally left for the ceremony. I couldn’t stop thinking. It seemed like the school headmaster was making a very touching speech, for all my classmates were sobbing, but I was far from listening to that.
I was deep in my thoughts. All I could hear was ‘future… future… future… ” I was thinking of what universities would be suitable for me. I knew I was a very average student. I really didn’t care. All I knew is that I had to be successful in my studies and to prove my father wrong. I really wanted him to be proud of me. I wanted him to pronounce the words “I am proud of you, son. ” Therefore, I had to do my best to get in the best university, even if it meant going to Japan. I had to do all it takes, even pay for my own applications. I was ready to go to summer school, just to improve my geometry skills.
I was so deep in my thoughts that when the headmaster yelled out the words “graduates of class of 2018”, I forgot to toss my gown hat. But it was worth it. It was serious… very serious! The next day, even if I had come back from prom until 4:00 am, I still woke up at 7:30 am. The first thing that popped into my mind when I woke up was to fill out all my applications. I browsed the net for good architecture universities. I had filled up over seven applications when I got to The American University of Dubai. Just by looking at the pictures and courses, I was convinced.
I thought, “I got it… this is my future… this is my career… this is it! ” I ran down the hall and nearly fell on my head. I was heading for my parents’ bedroom. My parents were still asleep, but it was urgent. I exclaimed “Get up! ” It took them some time to do so. I said, “We are traveling. ” “huh? ” said mom. I said, “Dubai, United Emirates. And I’m staying there! ” My mother still didn’t understand, but my father knew exactly what I was talking about. He immediately put his hand on his forehead and whispered, “Oh God! ” The days passed so fast, one by one.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw that it was already July 16th! That was a day before my flight to Dubai. I spent most of the day packing up all I need. I had never packed so many clothes. I literally took my whole closet. I also took food. It wasn’t the food that would go all over the suitcase. I bought things that I would find very expensive in Dubai, such as Nutella. I passed the rest of the day saying bye to my friends. I passed near each and every one of their houses. Most of them had already left for college. I decided to also drive near the school, just incase there was anyone.
The only person I found was the guardian. It was still worth it, for I had lived with this man for about 17 years. I had seen him day after day from 8:00 to 3:30. He was also very kind to me. Whenever I was lonely, he would accompany me. He would laugh with me until we were about to piss on our pants. He was a very good man. It was touching; leaving him behind. I headed back home. I had to go to sleep, but first, I made some final touches to my packing. I finally went to sleep. I had to sleep well, for the flight was early in the morning, and I could not afford missing that plane.
I just couldn’t… It was a very long trip. It took us 7 hours to get to Dubai airport. It wasn’t that exhausting, for Dubai airplanes are very good quality. You would never find these kinds of planes in Morocco. Besides the point. When we got there, we went to the hotel by cab. It was easy communicating with them. The hotel was a very luxurious one. It had a spa, fitness, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a 24/24 hour buffet that served all kinds of snacks. By the time we all put our suitcases in the rooms, it was already 3:30 pm.
We did not have plenty of time to visit my future university. It was still better than nothing. When we got to the university, some faculty administrators welcomed us. The school had a kitchen open to everyone, a laundry room, a cafeteria, a building with small apartments where the students lived, and humungous classrooms. Each classroom could handle up to 200 people. The headmaster asked me if I was a sportsman. I replied, “Yes”. He provided me with the volleyball, basketball, and football uniforms. He also gave me the mascots, a USB, an university cap, and a charm bracelet saying “be the future”.
I was now officially a bachelor in the American University Of Dubai, hopefully mastering architecture. Time passed by so fast. It was as if I just blinked. I already found myself saluting my parents at Dubai airport. My father was busy giving me last minute advice. My mother was so touched that she burst crying. Seeing her cry made me feel like crying, but I just couldn’t. I couldn’t start crying. That would show that I was incapable of staying alone. I knew it would take me a lot of crying, a lot of missing my country, so much courage, and being serious.
I couldn’t let myself hangout in parties or get distracted by anything. The only thing i could get distracted by is my work. Before spring break, I had to ace all my tests, quizzes and exams, prepare all of my projects, templates, and maquetes, and finally show them all to my father. I wanted him to hug me. I wanted tears of happiness to burst out of his eyes. I wanted him to be proud of me. I wanted him to say it!… The first month was not as I had expected it to be. I was too distracted. I was invited to too many parties, distracted by too many girls, and not focused on my work.
But the second month was a good start. I finally said; NO PARTY, NO GIRLS, JUST WORK! And since I said those words, I obeyed them. My daily routine became wake up, eat, work, sleep… When exam time came, I was ready. When the report cards went out, I couldn’t see one single red grade on it. I jumped with happiness. I shouted “YES! ” so loud that my neighbor heard me. I was proud of myself, and I was sure he was going to be proud of me. I packed my stuff. The next day was my flight back to Tangier, Morocco. It was going to be a long flight, but by thinking about my expectations, it was going to pass quickly.
When I finally got to Tangier Boukhalef, I found my father and mother waiting for me . They were the first things I could see. I passed through my mother first. I picked her up and twirled her in my arms. When I got to my father, I didn’t even have to spread my arms. He took me in his arms and squeezed me. IT was the best feeling ever. I could feel tears fall on my sweater. I couldn’t believe it. He was crying. I couldn’t hold this one! I burst out crying and that was what we did for 10 minutes in the same spot in the airport. He whispered; “I’m proud of you, my son. ”
