To My Students: Don’t Come to School to Escape From Gloomy Reality

By Salma Chouiref

Fez – I know it’s too early in your lives for you to read this, but it’s never too late for you to become the shining lights of your small villages. No matter what kind of hardships you experience, do not hide in your difficult living conditions.

Be the messengers of your community who light up every corner of your world with knowledge and wisdom. Be the rebels who fight the divides caused by superstition and fallacy. And be the ones who banish ignorance to the bottom of the sea. Your industriousness is a reflection of what lies within. Do not hide that gifted “YOU” in your depths.

It may feel alone and run away from the darkness with which you enclose yourselves. Do not come to school just to escape from gloomy reality. Come to face the challenge of change. I see the eagerness you veil behind your eyes and you fear to reveal.

I would love to tell you that I am there to let your talents burst out and overcome all challenges. I am an older sister, a caring mother, and a concerned teacher. Do not overlook my concern or fail my expectation.

You have made my days with you happy. Even when I was angry when you sometimes behaved carelessly. I can still feel your affection. I do appreciate your priceless respect, and I love your funny spontaneity. I sincerely wish you a brilliant future that heals all the suffering you have endured in the past. May God realize all of your dreams and bless every step you make to achieve your ambitions.