A Campus Lesson for Freshers
When I gained admission newly into the university, I was excited but also confused about many things.
Like many fresh students, I came to school without proper preparation. I applied for a hostel room on campus, but when the list came out, my name was not there.
At that time I didn't know many people in school, and getting accommodation off campus was not easy. I spent days moving from one lodge to another asking for a room, but the prices were too high.
Just when I was beginning to lose hope, I met a final year student named Brother Umar.
Brother Umar was different from most students I had met. He was calm, respectful, and always spoke with wisdom. When he heard about my situation, he said something I will never forget.
“Don't worry,” he told me. “You can stay with me until you find your own place.”
I was surprised. In a school where many people hardly help strangers, this senior offered to squat me for free.
That day I silently prayed for him and promised myself that I would never forget such kindness.
Life in the Squat
A few weeks later, something interesting happened.
Brother Umar also allowed another student to stay with us temporarily. She was a quiet and respectful girl named Mardiyyah.
We called her Sister Mardiyyah because she behaved like a sister to both of us.
Our small room suddenly became a room of three students trying to survive campus life.
Brother Umar made sure Mardiyyah used the only mattress in the room while the two of us slept on the floor with bedsheets.
That act alone showed the kind of person he was.
Mardiyyah was intelligent, respectful, and focused on her studies. Sometimes we would sit together in the evenings discussing school work, assignments, and life.
Slowly, I began to admire her.
Not just her intelligence, but also the way she carried herself. I started becoming too fond of her without even realizing it.
One evening, Brother Umar called me outside.
“My brother,” he said calmly, “remember why you came to school. Feelings are normal, but don't let them distract you from your purpose.”
That conversation changed my mindset.
From that day, I started focusing more on my studies.
Brother Umar used to say something very powerful:
“If you learn how to control your desires, you will control your future.”
Unexpected News
Everything seemed peaceful until something unexpected happened.
Before we finished our first year, a rumor started spreading around the lodge.
At first I ignored it.
But one evening Mardiyyah called both of us together. Her voice was shaking.