'Keep pursuing your dreams'
Dhi Qar woman beats illness to earn master’s, sets sights on PhD
DHI QAR— Despite battling illness since birth and enduring five surgeries and chemotherapy, 27-year-old Rizan Hassan has earned her master’s degree with distinction. Living in a remote area on the outskirts of Al-Akeeka town, south of Dhi Qar province, she now dreams of pursuing a PhD and aims to inspire others by showing that success is possible, no matter the challenges.
“When I enrolled in college, my dream wasn’t just to earn a bachelor’s degree, but to pursue higher studies,” Rizan told 964media. Her master’s thesis, titled “Sports Environment and Achievement Motivation in Some Team Games,” explored an under-researched area in sports education. “The aim of my work was to create a comprehensive sports environment for proper training,” she added.
Rizan’s health challenges began at birth, with symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal and back pain. After medical examinations, she was diagnosed with a tumor on her left colon, which led to her first surgery, followed by five additional operations.
Despite these obstacles, Rizan never let her illness derail her academic goals. “The illness didn’t stop me from finishing my studies, and I’m now on my way to a PhD, God willing,” she said. “My message to young people is to keep pursuing their studies and dreams, no matter the challenges they face, whether illness or otherwise. I turned these difficulties into something positive.”
Rizan credits her success to the support of her family, especially her father, who stood by her throughout her treatment, as well as her friends and colleagues. As one of the top students in her bachelor’s and master’s programs, she hopes to secure a government job to cap off her difficult journey and continue inspiring others.
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