Page 13 - UNAM Forum ED1-2020

MIKA ASCENDS THE

SKIES WITH

QATAR AIRWAYS

Moses hit a slump when he failed to live up to expectations during his second term while he was
in his final stage of school in grade 12. Moses only managed to obtain a combined 18 points from
his six subjects. This underperformance negatively affected him, harming both his self-esteem and
emotional wellbeing.

“I cried an entire night after receiving those [disappointing] results and struggled to sleep thereafter,”
he narrated. It was Moses’ first time recording such a loss in his entire academic journey and it was
soon to be his last. “It was a huge mental blow for me. The fact that everyone, including my teachers
and close friends, stopped believing in me, only made it worse.” Despite that, however, Moses refused
to let the setback place a permanent dent on his will and desire to make something meaningful out
of his life. “I told everyone who doubted me that I am in charge of my destiny and not them,” he said
confidently. With that Moses focused on conquering his last hurdle, the final grade 12 examinations.

In the end, Moses proved his doubters wrong and himself right when he excelled in those examinations,
doubling his tally from 18 to 36 points in five subjects that time around, a huge feat for someone
who everyone thought was academically done for. Moses proceeded with his academic pursuits by
registering at UNAM for an honours in accounting. “At university level, everything changed as I had
to raise the tempo under extremely challenging conditions characterized by accommodation issues,
exposure to unfamiliar city life, and a new learning environment.”

Moses continued to rise above his challenges and surpass expectations at University. He landed an
international internship at one of the world’s leading air transportation companies, Qatar Airways,
after a tough online interview. “I have been at Qatar Airways for close to three months now and I must
say it is an absolute honour to be learning from the best,” said a beaming Moses. “Being an intern
at Qatar Airways has greatly enhanced my practical knowledge of accounting.” Given that I have
been assigned to the finance control team, my key duties include seeking to reduce operating costs
as much as possible while still maintaining a high level of excellent service offered by the airline,” said
Moses.

“The experience that I have gained at Qatar Airways so far is exceptional and has gifted me with
a practical view of the theoretical aspects of accounting that we encounter in the classroom,” he
said. Moses encouraged fellow students to take on such internships and make use of the valuable
opportunities and incentives that they provide. “Internships help one grow practically into their
respective field,” he noted. Moses also continued to urge students to work hard in all aspects of
their academic or work life. A trait that he says was inspired by the unbelievable work ethic that he
adopted from the admirable company culture at Qatar Airways.

QATAR Airways is a strategic Industry partner of UNAM, and Moses is fortunate to be the first to land
an international internship opportunity facilitated through the Industry and Cooperative Education
office.

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