The Dark Summer

The last summer has been particularly challenging, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. The delay in our stipends has been the primary source of our struggles, casting a shadow over what should have been a season of growth and learning. The delay in receiving our stipends left many of us in a precarious financial situation. Without the expected funds, we had to stretch our limited resources to cover necessities like food, rent, and transportation. This financial strain forced us to make difficult choices and sacrifices, often prioritizing essentials over our academic and social activities. This situation is all the more frustrating because the institutions responsible for our affairs seem out of touch with our reality, unwilling to acknowledge their flaws or listen to us with humility, despite our efforts to bring these issues to their attention.

The financial uncertainty took a significant emotional toll on us. The constant worry about money and the inability to participate in social activities led to feelings of isolation and stress. Many of us found it hard to concentrate on our studies, as the anxiety about our financial situation overshadowed our academic pursuits. Despite the hardships, the sense of community among students became a beacon of hope. We supported each other through these tough times, sharing resources, offering emotional support, and finding creative solutions to our problems. Our firm belief in solidarity helped us navigate the dark summer, which still takes a toll on us today, with little hope of resolution for the upcoming summer.

This summer taught us valuable lessons about resilience and resourcefulness. We learned to adapt to challenging circumstances, manage our finances more effectively, and support each other in times of need. These experiences, though difficult, have strengthened our resolve and prepared us for future challenges. As the saying goes, there are always two sides to the coin – we struggle, but we also learn. As we move forward, we hope for better support systems to prevent such situations in the future. Timely disbursement of stipends and better communication from institutions involved can alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty we face. We also hope that our experiences will inspire others to advocate for better conditions for students in foreign lands.

The dark summer was a period of significant hardship, long and unforgettable, with many tears and unimaginable struggles. However, it also highlighted our resilience and the strength of our community. Despite the struggles, we emerged stronger and more united, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The institution's concern should be prepared to find solutions to this misery sooner rather than later. This particular episode of the summer, which I call the dark summer, has found its way into the record books of GASAM as the worst summer since its inception. As we reflect on this experience, we are reminded of the importance of community and the need for institutions to prioritize student well-being. We hope that our story will catalyze change, prompting the institutions concerned to re-examine their support systems and work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable environment for us. Only then can we truly say that we have learned from the dark summer and moved forward in a positive direction?

Author: Adama Bah