Holding Onto Faith While Building My Future

Adiratou Sy, Last Mile Student

For much of my life, I’ve learned how to keep moving forward even when things felt uncertain. I was balancing school, personal responsibilities, and the pressure to figure out my future, often while carrying challenges that weren’t visible to others. I didn’t grow up with a clear roadmap or examples of people around me working in tech. Much of my journey was shaped by figuring things out on my own and trusting that there was a greater plan, even when I couldn’t see it yet.

There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself. During those times, my faith became my anchor. I leaned heavily on prayer and the belief that Allah had a purpose for my life, even when the path felt unclear. That belief kept me grounded when doubt crept in and reminded me that setbacks were not the end of my story.

Discovering Tech and Business

My interest in tech grew when I realized how deeply technology impacts businesses and everyday life. I was drawn to the way systems, data, and tools can help organizations make better decisions and solve real problems. That curiosity led me to major in Computer Information Systems with a business focus.

Choosing this path wasn’t always easy. I often questioned whether I truly belonged in tech spaces. There were days when I felt behind or intimidated, but I reminded myself that Allah does not place dreams in our hearts without also giving us the ability to pursue them. Even when my confidence was low, I kept showing up, trusting that effort and intention mattered.

Walking Through College With Lupus

While pursuing my education, I was also learning how to live with lupus. Lupus brought unpredictability into my life. Some days I felt capable and focused, while other days fatigue, pain, and brain fog made simple tasks feel overwhelming. It was difficult watching my body slow me down when my goals felt urgent.

During those moments, my faith became even more important. I had to trust Allah not just with my future, but with my health. I learned that patience is a form of strength and that resting when my body needed it was not weakness — it was wisdom. Lupus taught me to surrender control while still holding onto hope.

Finding Last Mile Through Divine Timing

I was introduced to Last Mile during a time when I truly believe divine timing was at work. At the time, I was deeply stressed about how I would continue paying for school while managing my health and staying academically focused. The uncertainty felt heavy, and I spent many nights praying for relief and direction.

If it weren’t for being connected to Last Mile, I honestly don’t know what I would have done. That opportunity felt like an answered prayer. Last Mile came into my life at a moment when I needed support — not only financially, but emotionally and mentally. It reminded me that Allah places people and resources in our lives exactly when we need them.

Support That Strengthened My Faith

Last Mile’s support allowed me to stay enrolled and continue my education without having to pause my goals. That stability gave me room to breathe and focus on healing, learning, and growing. More than that, it reassured me that my efforts were seen and that my journey mattered.

Through this support, my faith grew stronger. I stopped seeing my challenges as barriers and began seeing them as part of a greater purpose. I learned that accepting help does not mean a lack of faith — it means trusting that Allah provides through others.

Where I Am Now

Today, I continue to move forward with intention — academically, professionally, and spiritually. I’m preparing for internships, strengthening my technical and business skills, and participating in leadership and professional development programs that push me beyond my comfort zone.

My goal is to work in a role where I can bridge technology and business while leading with empathy, discipline, and integrity — values deeply rooted in my faith.

Looking Ahead With Trust and Gratitude

Living with lupus and navigating college has taught me that life will not always be predictable, but faith provides stability even in uncertainty. I’ve learned to trust Allah’s plan, even when I don’t understand the timing.

I am deeply grateful to the Last Mile community for supporting me during a critical period of my life. Programs like Last Mile don’t just provide resources — they restore hope and remind students that they are not alone.

If my story encourages another student to hold onto faith during hard moments, to ask for help without shame, or to trust that their struggles do not define their limits, then sharing it is worth it. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I continue to move forward with faith, resilience, and purpose.