The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

As I reflect on what I’m most proud of in my life, it’s not just one singular moment or achievement that stands out. It’s a collection of experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped me into who I am today. And the one that rises above all is undoubtedly being a dad.

Raising my three children has been the most rewarding and, at times, the most challenging part of my life. From the moment I became a father, everything changed—my perspective, my priorities, and my understanding of what it truly means to love unconditionally. Every day with my kids is an opportunity to learn and grow, not just for them but for me as well. As much as I’m trying to teach them values like kindness, strength, and resilience, they’ve taught me patience, empathy, and the beauty of seeing the world through fresh eyes.

It’s not just about being their guide, though; it’s about watching them develop into their own people. Seeing my son, now 19, take steps towards his own future, and my daughters growing into thoughtful young women, fills me with a sense of accomplishment I can’t quite describe. My greatest hope for them is simple—that they become good people who contribute to this world in meaningful ways. As a father, I’ve done my best to lead them by example, and while I’ve made my share of mistakes, I hope they can see the values I’ve tried to instil in them.

Aside from family, another source of pride for me is my career. To say it’s been an easy road would be a lie. I didn’t come from a place of privilege, and growing up, I was often distracted, focused on other things that pulled me away from education. I didn’t have a string of qualifications behind me, and there were times when I wasn’t sure if I would ever really ‘make it.’ But here I am today, standing tall with the best of them. 

That journey took determination, grit, and a lot of faith in myself. I’ve always been someone who works hard, and while the path wasn’t traditional. I’ve earned my place through experience and effort.

No matter where you start or how many times life throws curveballs at you, you can still reach the heights you aspire to. That’s a message I hope my kids take to heart, knowing that you don’t have to follow a conventional path to succeed. Sometimes, it’s the twists and turns that make the destination even more worthwhile.

Then, lastly my resilience. Life, as I’ve come to learn, is full of ups and downs. I’ve had my fair share of struggles. But one thing I’ve always prided myself on is my ability to get back up. No matter how tough things get, I’ve always believed in facing challenges head-on. Whether it was a personal setback, a professional hurdle, or the everyday struggles of balancing life, work, and family, I’ve never let it stop me for long. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root, I’ve chosen to approach life with kindness and generosity.

I’ve learned this particularly through my faith in Islam, is that there’s immense value in helping others. Whether it’s through a kind word, a supportive gesture, or lending a hand when someone needs it, these small acts can make a world of difference. And I’ve always tried to embody that in my life, not just for the sake of others but for my own peace of mind. Helping others gives me a sense of purpose, and it’s through these moments that I find strength.

Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is that despite the obstacles, despite the mistakes and the missteps, I’ve kept moving forward. I’ve stayed true to who I am, trying to be a good father, a dedicated professional, and a compassionate human being. I’m proud of my ability to get up and go again, without letting the challenges of life harden my heart. I’ve chosen to give rather than take, to build up rather than tear down, and to approach the world with kindness, even when times were tough.