This lissome lass seems to be a bundle of mystery! The veneer of her happiness can’t hold the loads of adversities she is pitted against. But, steely guts and unflagging will to rise over the morass of poverty gave wings to her desire to have life with dignity and resources.

Seldom rising above such frustrating socio-economic condition at times was impossible. But Tirhas Mulubirhan Meles has turned the tide by securing 3.85 GPA in under-graduate study!
Instead of going gaga over her achievement, she is worried about how to go for Masters in Biology with no help around. She couldn’t share her joy with mother living in a town Humera in Tigray region, 800 km from Arba Minch, because she can’t afford bus fare.

‘‘Father has deserted my mother Selase long back, and we four siblings including me, two sisters and a younger brother were left to fend for themselves. Mother has no job, sisters still in schools, do some odd work to earn livelihood.’’
On her entry into university, she said, some of the people of our Kebele pooled in money for me to go to university. I arrived here with few clothes but one of my best friends support has sustained me till far.
Actually, I was interested in Medicine, but couldn’t qualify, hence opted biology. Mammal Psychology and Anatomy were my best subjects in which I got A+; but Zoology was bit tough.
On her next course of action, she said, ‘‘I am more attracted towards health-related arena, because health is the most important things in life. I would like to go for Master in Biology.’’ But keeping her fingers crossed, for AMU needs only two students for PG course, wherein five candidates are competing for two slots.
She has no vocation of any sort except study. Relating about her study schedule, she said, ‘‘I would study five hours every day. Hereafter, I like to complete my Masters with good GPA. 
On opportunity to go for doctoral study abroad or elsewhere, she rued the lack of internet access in her campus and resources to go for it outside to search different avenues.
When cajoled about her inclination, she said, ‘‘My prime aim is to get myself saddled with good degree and suitable job to help my struggling siblings and mother. If my mother would advise me to get hitched in future, but that’s not my priority at the moment,’’ she emphasized.
From where she gets the drive to move on, she replies, when you see there is nothing in your favour, only painstaking efforts can take you there, that lets the adrenalin flowing. I am aware about my precarious situation but, God will open the way, she said it with flitting smile on her face.
By Philips Joseph