Precarity and the Punjabi Dragon

Muunna sat in her small room in Punjab, her heart filled with dreams of studying in the UK. However, she worried about the challenges that lay ahead. She had heard stories of students struggling with the pressure of studies abroad. Her parents were supportive but concerned about her decision. " - Are you sure, Muunna?" her mother asked. " - Yes, Ma. I have to do this," Muunna replied, determined yet anxious.

Soon after arriving in the UK, Muunna faced her first challenge. The language barrier was more daunting than she had anticipated. In her classes, the professors spoke quickly, and she struggled to keep up. " - I can't understand anything," she confessed to her new friend, Aisha. " - Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it," Aisha reassured her. Despite the encouragement, Muunna felt overwhelmed.

Muunna's next obstacle was homesickness, which hit her unexpectedly. She missed her family, her friends, and the warmth of her home. The cold, grey winter of the UK made her feel even more isolated. " - I miss home," she whispered to herself, tears in her eyes. Her dragon spirit felt dimmed, and she wondered if she had made the right choice.

As Muunna tried to focus on her studies, she found it difficult to concentrate. Her grades began to slip, and she feared losing her scholarship. " - What if I fail?" she worried to Aisha. " - You won't fail, Muunna. You're stronger than you think," Aisha said, trying to lift her spirits. But Muunna felt the weight of her worries growing heavier.

Despite her efforts, Muunna failed an important exam. She felt devastated and considered giving up her dreams. " - Maybe I'm not cut out for this," she said, her voice breaking. Her smile, usually bright and hopeful, had faded. " - Don't say that. You have the heart of a dragon," Aisha reminded her. But Muunna couldn't see past her failure.

One cold winter evening, while walking in the park, Muunna stumbled upon an old man feeding pigeons. He seemed wise, a mentor figure she didn't know she needed. " - You look troubled," he said kindly. " - I feel lost," Muunna admitted. " - Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it," the man shared. His words sparked a glimmer of hope in Muunna's heart.

Inspired by the old man's words, Muunna decided to face her challenges head-on. She joined a language club to improve her English skills. With each session, she felt more confident and her understanding grew. " - You're doing amazing, Muunna," Aisha cheered. Muunna's dragon spirit reignited, and her smile returned.

Muunna worked tirelessly, balancing her studies and personal life with newfound courage. She started to excel in her classes, her grades improving steadily. Her professors noticed her determination and praised her efforts. " - You're making us proud, Muunna," her parents said over a video call. The fear that once held her back was now replaced with resilience.

With her dragon-like courage, Muunna tackled each obstacle with grace and strength. She had learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. " - I did it!" she exclaimed after passing her final exams with flying colors. Her journey had taught her the true meaning of courage. She celebrated with Aisha, grateful for the support and friendship.

Having overcome her struggles, Muunna felt ready to embrace her future in the UK. She had made a new home, filled with friends and possibilities. Her dragon spirit, once dimmed, now shone brighter than ever. " - Thank you for believing in me," she told Aisha. Muunna's journey had not only been about academic success but discovering her inner strength and courage.