A Saudi woman sent me the following letter:
"I finished my high school with low grades and so at first, I was unable to continue my education. Finally, I got a place at a university. But because I got married and had a child, I did not finish the course. Wondering what I could do, I took some computer courses and then did a two-year course in fashion and design. Unfortunately because I lacked a bachelor’s degree, I was unable to find a job. I did not give up; I also tried unsuccessfully to find a job in the private sector. Then I decided to get a certificate in computer science for which my husband sold his expensive car and paid my fees. We bought a smaller car, tightened our budget and two years later, I finished the course and began to look for a job. No luck! Is it possible that all the schools near my house have no vacancies?
"I do not expect a miracle nor am I searching for a job as an ambassador; I simply want a suitable job in a school or educational institution where there is no mixing between men and women. I need a job with the government in order to repay the debts that I contracted while I was a student. Please don’t neglect my letter or say that matters of employment are not your business. If you publish it, some kind businessman may read it and do something for me. The fact is that there are many women who have the same problem."
My dear reader, first of all you didn’t supply your name and address so how could I get in touch with you if someone were willing to help you? Secondly, you specified certain conditions and people seeking help should not impose such conditions. Unfortunately, there are many highly qualified individuals who are unemployed but I am happy to publish your letter and hope for the best.
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And another letter from a reader:
"I am in my first year at university. I failed all my subjects in the first term and am now repeating the same subjects in the second term without my parents’ knowledge. My father, in fact, forced me to take this course even though I wanted to study in the US. I only agreed to take this course because I respect my father and always avoid doing anything to annoy him. I always do whatever he wants without any objection or protest.
"To add fuel to the fire, I was in love with a girl and because of problems arising from my feelings, I was suspended from the university. What can I do? Travel to the United States to continue my education? Return to the university here? Or marry the girl I love who will not agree for me to go abroad? In fact, she says if I go abroad, she will kill herself."
My dear reader, I don’t know why you haven’t discussed this matter with your father since you are a grown up man. Most fathers will listen to their sons and try to help them. Each generation has its dreams and desires so my advice to you is to talk things over with your father. I believe that a wise father would prefer to see his son succeed in the US rather than fail at home. That is, if you are really going to the US for education rather than hanky panky. As for your being in love, at your age I believe love is only an infatuation and a sexual feeling that will disappear in time. Concerning the girl’s threat to commit suicide, this is proof of her irrationality. Bear in mind that those who threaten to commit suicide seldom do.
