When Arav Kumar walked across the stage to accept his Bachelor of Nursing degree earlier this week, the applause resonated with a deeper significance — it symbolized survival and resilience against adversity. Growing up in a home where perseverance was paramount, Arav faced significant challenges following a stroke suffered by his father, a former security supervisor, due to hypertension last year.
Reflecting on this difficult period, Arav shared, “It was quite hard.” His mother took on the role of the family’s breadwinner, working diligently as a caregiver with Prestige Care while managing long shifts, household responsibilities, and the stress associated with her husband’s illness. “Thanks to my mum, we managed to cope with our daily needs,” he expressed with gratitude, acknowledging her vital contribution. “If not for her, I don’t know how we would have survived.”
In addition to his full-time nursing studies, Arav dedicated his semester breaks to working at a restaurant, waiting tables and bartending to help alleviate some of the financial strain on his family. He learned valuable lessons about the realities of life, stating, “I realised after my dad’s stroke that nothing comes easy. It’s not like everything is on a plate for you. When your parents are ill, you must face reality. Things are expensive; nothing is cheap nowadays.”
Despite these hardships, Arav remained committed to his goal of becoming a caregiver himself, motivated by the desire to provide for others in the way he wished his family could be cared for during difficult times. This year has also brought hope for his family, as his father has shown signs of recovery through consistent massage therapy and treatment.
“This degree is not just mine,” Arav reflected softly. “It’s my mum’s, for working every day without complaining. It’s my dad’s, for fighting to get better. And it’s for my little brother, because I want him to know that even when life is hard, you can still make it.”
Arav’s journey not only reflects his personal resilience but also emphasizes the strength of family ties and the power of support in overcoming life’s challenges. His story stands as an inspiration to those facing difficulties, demonstrating that with determination and collective effort, perseverance can lead to success and brighter days ahead.
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