Guiding Light in the Darkness: Sanujan’s Story
Hello everyone, my name is Sanujan, and I’d like to share my story about how Roshan has profoundly resonated with me during a crucial time in my life.
In 2015, I arrived in Indonesia with my family as a young refugee, fleeing a life-threatening situation that my family faced back in Sri Lanka. As I settled into this host country, I found myself overwhelmed and lost. We were provided homeschooling by the IOM (International Organization for Migration), but my hopes for a proper education dwindled after IOM’s homeschooling program abruptly stopped for some reason. I was uncertain about my future and worried about finding a path that would lead me to success in the education world.
Then, a light appeared in the form of Roshan. I first heard about Roshan through IOM, and it felt like a ray of hope in my life to continue my studies. I was eager to pursue my education, so I took a placement test and was thrilled to be selected for the Roshan GED program. This moment marked a significant turning point in my life.
The journey was challenging, especially since all my classes were conducted online at first due to COVID's impact. However, the support I received from the Roshan team was invaluable. Their dedication to helping students like me succeed was evident in every interaction, even through a screen.
One of my most memorable moments with Roshan was the first time I met the team in person at a GED gathering after all those online classes. My initial impression was that everything and everyone in the team was neat and organized, creating a welcoming atmosphere. People were approachable and easy to talk to, making me feel at ease despite meeting them for the first time. The first person I spoke with was Ms. Caitlin, Roshan’s program director, and she was incredibly friendly, immediately making me feel like I belonged.
That day, Mr. Michal, who was our GED math tutor as he spoke, mentioned that Roshan has got another math teacher now—because, in his words, I was good at math in his class. Hearing this made me genuinely happy; it was a moment of validation and recognition that I hadn’t expected but deeply appreciated. It strengthened my resolve to keep improving and made me feel like I was truly seen for my efforts and potential.
The whole community was so friendly and eager to get to know every student for who they were. Their genuine support motivated me to push harder in my studies, reminding me that I was not alone in this journey.
Another significant experience was when I was invited to Roshan’s housewarming ceremony as a volunteer. It was my first time visiting the Roshan Learning Center, and the place was buzzing with energy as everyone worked together to prepare for the event. Even though I didn’t know anyone there, I wanted to be a part of the effort, so I jumped right in to help with the decorations. I joined the team assigned to decorating, and immediately, there was a spirit of supportive communication. We worked together, and I completed my part in time. It felt rewarding when the team appreciated my timely work, and that sense of belonging grew even stronger. This event was more than just a celebration; it was a heartwarming welcome into a community that made me feel like I truly belonged. I met Roshan’s students, mentors, and community members who shared food, laughter, and inspiring stories. Their encouragement fueled my determination to work hard and strive for my goals.
After I had my GED in hand, I applied for scholarships and was thrilled to be accepted at the University of the People, where I am now pursuing a degree in Business Administration. This opportunity is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the transformative power of education that Roshan has facilitated at the right time.
The community and support I received have shaped me into the person I am now. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and am excited about what the future holds. Thank you for listening to my story, and thank you to Roshan for believing in me when I had lost hope. I hope that Roshan can continue to resonate hope and transformation in the lives of many more.