Better late than never: Back to college

Emirati women are not letting marriage, children and household duties come in the way of higher education.

At the Sharjah University-affiliated Community College here, many Emirati women are busy trying to fulfil their dreams, while embracing the adage, "better late than never".

The case of Sarah Isaq, who is in her late 30s and a mother of three, has inspired others.

Sarah had put her dreams of higher studies on hold due to family obligations. She finally enrolled in college alongside her son who is 20 years old. And both are getting excellent grades.

"We are blessed to have such opportunities unlike our mothers and grandmothers," said Sarah, who is now doing her internship in an accounting firm.

Similar was the case of 39-year-old Sawsan Al Saidi. Twelve years of marriage and a post at Sharjah Municipality were not enough to make her lose hope of earning a degree.

"Education is the only way one can improve one's personal skills and professional standards," said Sawsan who has four children.

Shamsa Al Amiri stopped her studies at 25 to get married. Two years later, she went back and took up business administration.

"Our mothers were only able to give us moral support. They weren't as lucky as we are to get a chance to continue education. I want to help my children with their school homework," said Shamsa.

And how does it feel to teach these students?

Emad Abdul Aziz, an instructor at the City College, said the experience of dealing with these students is enriching and unique because they are full of enthusiasm. He denied that these women took up higher education because they just wanted to kill time. "They seek education," Aziz said.