While many dream of one day experiencing the allure of soft, white sandy beaches, gazing upon crystal clear lagoons beneath a vast canopy of coconut palms, for me, this dream was my birthright. I belong to the island people, where this exquisite beauty is part of our daily existence. Yet, in the pursuit of modernity, most of us have outgrown the simplicity of our origins.
We grumble about costly and subpar telecom services, exorbitant living standards, a government tainted by corruption, and the unfortunate presence of a few unsavory individuals in our midst. It's easy to be fixated on the negatives, to see the yin without acknowledging the yang. Beyond our narrow tunnel vision lies the complex tapestry of our society, complete with its challenges.
In my youth, I would have eagerly named a bustling metropolis as my ideal home, yearning to leave behind this idyllic paradise. However, living in one of those cities drastically shifted my perspective.
The conveniences of urban life are undeniably enticing, but they lack the warmth of home. Returning to the Maldives after nearly a year abroad opened my eyes to the small joys: meandering through the narrow streets of Male', savoring a cup of coffee on the Seahouse deck, reuniting with the familiar faces of my childhood, and embracing the tranquility of a simple life in a small island nation with grand aspirations.
As graduation looms closer, conversations with friends from around the world about our next steps intensify. While some contemplate relocating and settling in distant lands like Canada, I dream of carving out a future in this tiny island paradise. The allure of sandy feet after a busy week became irresistible, prompting me to seek the beauty in our country while acknowledging its flaws.
It was not until recently that I ventured to different parts of the Maldives, exploring a few islands along the way. The unique charm of each island left me spellbound. Overcoming my fear of the ocean, I embarked on snorkeling adventures, unveiling the awe-inspiring underwater world that lay beneath. The sky, a canvas painted with nature's finest strokes at dawn and dusk, never ceased to amaze.
To be born in this nation, scattered like pearls on a chain across the Indian Ocean, is a privilege beyond measure. As someone once told me, witnessing the splendor of our homeland makes me want to declare proudly, "Mee Magey Raajje" — "My Beloved Nation."
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