From a Small Village to Berlin University: My Journey of Chasing Dreams

Growing up in a small village in Punjab, Pakistan, I used to stare at the stars and dream of a world beyond my circumstances. The dusty roads and modest homes around me were my reality, but my heart was set on exploring distant lands, learning new languages, and studying in places I’d only read about in books. Those dreams felt impossibly big for a boy from a poor household, yet they fueled every step of my journey.

This article is about how I turned those dreams into reality—through grit, freelancing, and an unyielding belief in possibility. It’s a story of setbacks, small wins, and the courage to keep going. Ready to see how a village boy made it to Berlin? Let’s dive in and explore the steps that got me there, so you can find inspiration for your own big dreams.

Embracing Education as My First Step

From a young age, I knew education was my ticket to a bigger world. My father, a laborer, poured everything into supporting my schooling despite our financial struggles. I studied hard at my government school, often earning top positions and even landing my name on my college’s honor board. It wasn’t just about grades—it was about proving to myself that I could rise above my circumstances. Each success felt like a brick in the foundation of my dreams. Have you ever felt that spark when you realize learning can open doors? For me, education was the key to imagining a life beyond my village, and it’s where my journey to Europe began.

This focus on education taught me resilience. I learned to look beyond limitations, to see possibility where others saw barriers. It’s a mindset you can adopt too—whether it’s mastering a new skill or acing a course, education builds the confidence to chase what seems out of reach.

Dreaming Big Despite the Odds

When I was in third grade, my Urdu textbook introduced me to Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam, who studied in Europe. That’s when the seed was planted: I wanted to go abroad, explore new cultures, and learn in world-class universities. But as a lower-class student, money was a constant hurdle. After intermediate school, I chased foreign scholarships, taking tests and facing interviews, only to meet failure after failure. Finally, I secured a fully funded bachelor’s scholarship—only to learn I needed 60,000 PKR for a plane ticket, money I didn’t have. Heartbroken, I had to decline. Have you ever felt a dream slip through your fingers? That moment crushed me, but it also lit a fire to try again.

This setback taught me that dreams don’t die—they evolve. Instead of giving up, I set my sights on a master’s degree in Germany, where education is free. The lesson? When one door closes, look for another. Your dreams are worth the detour.

Facing Financial Barriers Head-On

Germany’s free education was a beacon of hope, but I hit another wall: a blocked account requiring 10,332 euros to prove I could support myself. Coming from a family that couldn’t afford a plane ticket, this felt like an impossible mountain. I could’ve chosen defeat, thinking, “I can’t afford this.” Instead, I asked, “How can I afford it?” That question changed everything. Sitting under a tree at my university, I scribbled down options—jobs, freelancing, business, crypto—and decided freelancing was my best shot. Have you ever had to get creative to solve a problem? This was my moment to think outside the box.

Choosing to tackle the financial barrier head-on gave me clarity. It wasn’t about having all the resources—it was about finding a way with what I had. This mindset can transform any obstacle into a challenge you’re ready to meet.

Discovering Freelancing as My Path

Freelancing wasn’t common in Pakistan when I started, but a story about a senior student earning 600,000 PKR for a motorcycle inspired me. I took a leap of faith, creating a Fiverr account and offering app development services based on a university course I’d taken. My first $5 order from an American client felt like a miracle—proof that someone 8,000 miles away believed in my skills. That small win sparked a belief: if I could earn $5, why not $50,000? It’s amazing how one success can shift your perspective, isn’t it?

Freelancing became my bridge from a village to the world. It showed me that skills, not circumstances, define your potential. Whether it’s coding, writing, or teaching, your expertise can open doors you never imagined.

Balancing Hard Work and Burnout

Freelancing while finishing my degree was grueling. After six months, I’d earned just $700—far from my goal. Once I graduated, I doubled down, creating a gig for online teaching and working 12–14 hours a day. I taught programming to students worldwide, often from a makeshift setup at home, focusing on solutions over problems. My mother worried I was working too hard, and she was right—my life revolved around earning more, pitching better, and landing clients. But every order brought me closer to my blocked account goal. Have you ever pushed yourself to the limit for something you believed in?

This phase taught me discipline but also the cost of overwork. I hit burnout and took a break to travel northern Pakistan, rediscovering joy in small freedoms like jet skiing or rafting. Balancing hard work with rest is key—it keeps you sharp and your dreams alive.

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

The freelancing journey wasn’t smooth. I faced order cancellations, removed gigs, and even lost my Fiverr account due to technical issues. But a note on my laptop—“Quitters never win, and winners never quit”—kept me going. By moving to Lahore, I juggled IELTS prep, university applications, and freelancing, earning over $14,000. My 7.0 IELTS score and admission to a Berlin university were hard-won victories. And when my Germany visa arrived, I knew every struggle was worth it. Ever turned a low moment into a triumph? That’s what resilience looks like.

Setbacks are part of any big journey. They don’t define you—your ability to keep going does. Each challenge is a chance to grow stronger and closer to your goal.

Arriving in Berlin with Pride

On November 4, 2021, I boarded a flight to Berlin, funded entirely by my own earnings. Flying above the clouds, I thought back to the scholarship I’d declined for lack of 60,000 PKR. Now, I was heading to Europe’s economic powerhouse, carrying the pride of my village and the weight of my dreams. Leaving my family and homeland was bittersweet, but it wasn’t about rejecting Pakistan—it was about embracing possibility. Have you ever stood at the edge of a dream coming true? That moment was pure joy.

Arriving in Berlin marked more than a destination—it was proof that courage and persistence can rewrite your story. Your dreams, no matter how big, are within reach if you keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• Education Opens Doors: My focus on learning built the foundation for my journey, proving that knowledge can lift you beyond limitations.
• Dreams Evolve Through Setbacks: Declining a scholarship didn’t end my aspirations—it redirected me to a bigger goal in Germany.
• Creative Solutions Break Barriers: Asking “How can I afford it?” led me to freelancing, turning a financial obstacle into an opportunity.
• Skills Unlock Global Opportunities: Freelancing connected me to clients worldwide, showing that expertise transcends borders.
• Balance Fuels Endurance: Hard work got me far, but rest kept me going, highlighting the need to care for yourself while chasing goals.
• Resilience Turns Dreams into Reality: Overcoming cancellations and burnout taught me that persistence is the key to success.
• Courage Creates New Beginnings: Arriving in Berlin was a triumph of self-belief, proving that dreams are worth every sacrifice.

Conclusion

My journey from a small village to Berlin wasn’t a straight path—it was a winding road of failures, small victories, and relentless determination. Not everyone will chase their dreams the same way, and that’s okay. Maybe your goal isn’t studying abroad, but something closer to home—a new career, a passion project, or a personal milestone. Whatever it is, the steps I took—embracing education, finding creative solutions, and pushing through setbacks—can guide you too. Dreams don’t come with a rulebook, so experiment, adapt, and trust your path. Start small, believe big, and take that first step today. The world is waiting for you to make your mark.