“My name is Lea Abou Naoum. I am a student, born in Rahit, Bekaa, on 7th March 1999. I live in Zahlé, Lebanon. I completed my primary and complementary education in a boarding school after my father’s death, and finished my secondary education with distinction in the official exams. In parallel, I used to give private lessons in the afternoons, and do handicrafts in the remaining time. With my mother’s and brothers and sisters’ motivation, I saved money to cover the university expenses of my first year. While I was preparing for the admission exam of the Faculty of Medicine in summer 2017, I learned about the HOPES programme and the scholarships it offers to the students of the Lebanese University. After I sensed the interest of the work-team in Lebanon in our questions and explanations, and in offering us, the best they can, I submitted the required documents, hoping that I would become a member of the HOPES family. Receiving the letter of acceptance of my application to HOPES scholarship was proof that if I wanted to achieve my goals in life, everything will help me achieve it along the way. Out of nowhere, and when I least expect it, my faith will lead the way. This scholarship has motivated me to do my best and work harder to get into the Faculty of Medicine. On the day of the results, I was so happy to find out that I was admitted to the Faculty of Medicine, and embarked on a journey of a thousand miles. Today, I am ready to start my fourth year at the Faculty of Medicine, and I am proud to say that the HOPES programme has accompanied me during two years, helped me achieving autonomy and independence, and given me a chance to do the best I can and to build a better tomorrow. I made myself my biggest competitor, to be the example of hope for others, and I could achieve this through volunteering. Despite the long and hard journey, I chose the medical field. The HOPES programme has alleviated the psychological pressure that I was living under to cover the university expenses and get rid of heavy burdens. It has shown me that poverty is not an obstacle to achieving my dream as long as I choose the medical field as a mission and not a profession. I was a member of the HOPES family for two years, and I hope that this programme will accompany me in the coming years to be able to obtain my degree in Medicine and transmit my message to the world. Let’s have big dreams, let’s not lose them, let’s walk towards them. I would like to thank my mother and family for their support, as well as the HOPES programme, especially the work-team in Lebanon that motivates us constantly to be the hope in our community. The human being can live blind, but he cannot live hopeless. Thank you HOPES.”
By Lea Abou Naoum
2019
