What I Learned About Setting Goals-A Student’s Guide from the Camp Hi everyone, my name is Abdul Wafa. I want to share how I set goals as a student living in a refugee camp. Life here has many limits, but small clear goals help me study Computer Science, practice English, and keep hope alive. Why goals are matter to me When everything around you is uncertain, goals give direction. They turn big dreams (like becoming a data scientist) into small steps I can do every day. Goals help me focus, measure progress, and celebrate small wins, which keeps me motivated. My simple S.M.A.R.T. goal example: S.M.A.R.T. means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Here is a goal I actually use: Specific: Speak English for 10 minutes every day with a friend or by recording myself. Measurable: I will record and keep 1 audio file per day, after 30 days I will have 30 recordings. Achievable: 10 minutes is small and possible even with my busy day. Relevant: Speaking better helps me study, apply for courses, and share my story. Time-bound: Do this every day for 30 days and review progress on day 31. My weekly study routine (simple and real) Daily (30–60 min): Practice coding basics or English speaking (split into two 15–30 min blocks). 3 days a week: Read one short article or watch one short lesson about data science or programming. Weekend (1–2 hours): Review what I learned, write a short note, and plan the next week. I keep tasks very small so I don’t get overwhelmed. Even 15 minutes matters. Practical tips that work for me 1. Use what you have: I study with a phone and a small notebook. 2. Make a checklist: Crossing one small task off each day gives a real feeling of progress. 3. Record your voice: Listening to old recordings shows improvement, it motivates me. 4. Celebrate tiny wins: Finished a lesson? Treat yourself with a good tea or a rest. 5. Ask for help: When I can, I talk to friends or teachers and ask one question, that keeps me growing. A short message to you If you are in a hard place like me, start small. Turn a big dream into one tiny thing you can do today. Keep doing it. Over time, those small steps become a path forward. Thank you for reading. If you want, I can share my 30-day English plan or my basic coding checklist, I will post it next. Sincerely, Abdul Wafa Title suggestion for Read.cash: How Small Goals Help Me Learn in a Refugee Camp Suggested tags: #Learning #Motivation #RefugeeStories #ComputerScience #EnglishPractice
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Hi everyone, I hope you are doing well and in good health. My name is Abdul Wafa. I am originally from Myanmar, but my life has been full of struggles and challenges. During my childhood in Myanmar, I had a home, land, and a life that felt like my own, but freedom was missing. At the age of 16–17, I was forced to flee my country because of conflict. Since 2017, I have been living in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. When I first arrived, I never imagined I would remain here for so many years. Life in the camp is not easy — education, movement, and even food are restricted. Yet, we continue living with a simple hope: that one day we will return to our homeland and live in freedom again. Even with all these challenges, I have not given up on learning. I am now studying Computer Science and working hard to improve my English. My dream is to become a data scientist in the future, so I can use my skills to help others and create a better life for myself, my family, and my community. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kind words and support mean a lot and give me more courage to keep moving forward. Sincerely, Abdul Wafa