The Dream of University Studies

Yemeni mp 

Ahmed Saif Hashed

The dream of pursuing university studies became an insistent yearning, one I could no longer resist or postpone for any reason. I felt that any disappointment or setback would deeply affect my psyche, and I would not easily recover. Since there was no opportunity to study media due to the absence of a relevant college or department at Aden University, I thought law school would suffice.

I had begun preparing in my first year to enroll, but that year passed without my admission to university. After graduating from the military academy, I was required to serve a minimum of two years in actual military service before my request for study leave could be considered—whether accepted, rejected, or deferred.

The following year, the question arose: who would help me? I could no longer bear the disappointment of waiting for a third year to study, as the law stipulated “no less than two years” but did not specify “only two.” This meant that postponement or rejection of my study leave request remained a possibility.

I reassured myself: my request was modest, my academic excellence was established and encouraging, my dream was grand, and my right to study was even greater. There was someone who could understand me and would not let me down, someone I believed supported education: Jar Allah Omar. Why not approach him, especially since he was aware of my success at the military academy? This could ensure that I would not be disappointed after two years of waiting.

I had visited Jar Allah at his home several times before, and each time he welcomed me with warmth and kindness, regardless of my age. I remember one visit when I was under seventeen; I saw a vast library in his home that matched only his profound humility. His reception was exceedingly warm, treating me with respect and equality. The strongest impression I had from our interactions was that he was truthful, kept his promises, and was patient with my persistent requests.

I often compared him to a high-ranking official I had encountered, and the difference between them felt as vast as the earth from the stars. This official was a friend of my brother during his life, and my first encounter with him was at our home in the village when I was a child. He had come to us secretly, moving back and forth with complete discretion. After my brother was killed, I approached this official numerous times, only to find him condescending and dismissive. He would ignore me to the point of provocation. When I visited his home, he greeted me with a frown, and in his office, he would shake my hand with ice-cold indifference. Each time he would ask my name as if he were suffering from Alzheimer’s, and I would try to remind him who I was, even though he knew me well. He was unpleasant, and I would not describe him as kind-hearted.

In contrast, Jar Allah Omar was an exceptionally remarkable figure. He was friendly, gracious, and humble, welcoming me warmly despite my youth.

During my visit to Jar Allah Omar at his home in Khour Maksar, I expressed my desire to enroll in law school. I explained that a year had passed and the second year was about to end, and that fulfilling the two-year requirement after graduating from the military academy was nearly complete. I did not want to spend a third year waiting. I shared my concerns that my request to the Minister of Defense, through the brigade command, might be overlooked. My desire to study was overwhelming, and I informed him of my academic success. He interrupted me, stating he was already aware of it, and I asked him to contact Minister of Defense Saleh Musleh. He picked up the phone and called the minister directly, obtaining his approval immediately. He promised to follow up on the matter and kept his word, ensuring the approval of my request.

When I received the news of my acceptance from the brigade command, I felt as though I could fly with joy. It seemed that the future was smiling at me and that my hopes were coming to fruition. More importantly, this study leave saved me from certain death months later during the tragic events of January 13, 1986. There was no way I could have escaped had I remained in the brigade, not even by miracle.

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