Arav Kumar’s graduation with a Bachelor of Nursing earlier this week was more than a personal achievement; it symbolized resilience and the strength of family bonds. Growing up in a challenging environment, where hardship was a daily reality, Arav navigated his studies while supporting his family through difficult times.
His journey took a tough turn last year when his father, a former security supervisor, suffered a stroke due to hypertension. This life-altering event shifted the family dynamics, placing his mother in the role of the primary breadwinner. Despite the emotional and financial strains, she found work as a caregiver with Prestige Care and managed to balance long shifts with her household responsibilities.
Arav reflected on the difficulties they faced, expressing gratitude for his mother’s unwavering dedication. “If not for her, I don’t know how we would have survived,” he stated. To alleviate some of the pressures on his mother, he took on part-time jobs during semester breaks, working in restaurants waiting tables and bartending.
The experience taught him invaluable lessons about life. “I realized after my dad’s stroke that nothing comes easy,” he remarked. He understood the harsh realities associated with illness, expenses, and the importance of perseverance.
Throughout his nursing studies, Arav remained driven by a desire to care for others and provide the support he wished for his father during those trying times. In a hopeful turn of events, his father’s health has improved thanks to massage therapy and ongoing treatment, marking a significant milestone for the family.
“This degree is not just mine,” Arav humbly shared. “It’s my mum’s for working every day without complaining. It’s my dad’s for fighting to get better, and it’s for my little brother, because I want him to know that even when life is hard, you can still make it.”
Arav’s story reflects not only personal triumph but also a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of family support against the odds.