“I am a calm person who loves studying, is socially engaged and loves his job. I come from a rural family that works in agriculture and loves education. My brothers and sisters are educated mostly and we are a close-knit family. I chose this field of studies because I love it. It is an interesting field that gives us the chance to study the civilization of my country and other countries, to learn how to preserve it for future generations, and to reflect on our human ancestors The difficulties I had faced are mostly financial, in addition to residency challenges and the lack of job opportunities. Since 2011, when I got into university, I struggle to complete my studies. I worked a lot at jobs outside of my field of studies, such as construction and other hard labour, to cater to my needs and complete my studies. After I graduated, I had the ambition to pursue higher studies, but I could not because of the harsh financial situation. A friend of mine told me about the HOPES scholarship to which I applied and was selected. The scholarship covered my academic expenses and subsistence needs. The education counsellors in the HOPES team provided me with advices and assistance. I graduated with a Master’s Degree and underwent a training of no less than 200 hours at the workshop of Damascus Museum, in mosaic restoration, under the supervision of experts. I look forward to find a job within the field of my studies, and to work on the restoration and building of my country’s archeological sites destroyed due to war. Also, I aspire and will do my best to complete my Doctoral studies. My message to other students facing the same difficulties is, to chase their dreams to study and not to give up, for education is unparalleled and allows nations to develop.”
By Hassan Al Mechayel
2019
