“I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, with distinction, from the University of Damascus and a Baccalaureus in Business (Accounting) from Al-Mansoura University. I also studied Business Administration at the Faculty of Economy, University of Damascus, but was unable to finish the course because of the war. I completed preparatory studies for a Master’s in Accounting at Al-Mansoura University with the support of a HOPES scholarship, and am currently writing my dissertation. I came to Egypt on 29th April 2013 with three children and my parents. For the first time in my life, I felt so weak, especially because I was in a foreign country. I was forced to quit my job (at the Ministry of Education) temporarily and come with my family. Here, I had bigger responsibilities and more concerns. I sat on my own for long hours to gain back my strength and to think about a solution to the distress, especially since I was the only provider for my family. I was actually able to overcome my situation. I gave English lessons to Syrian students inside my home and succeeded in attracting a large number of students who needed lessons because of their deteriorating educational level due to the conditions of war. This prompted mothers to ask for Arabic and math lessons as well. Before the beginning of the academic year, students and their mothers were actually psychologically and morally ready to welcome the new academic year. I heard about the HOPES scholarship, and immediately applied for it because I was dreaming of pursuing my higher studies. This is the most beautiful success story in my life. HOPES was a reward for my strain. It made me forget the bitterness of the years and cruelty of the days, by helping me achieve dreams that I long-wanted to make a reality—that is to pursue higher studies in my field of specialisation. I would like to thank and express my appreciation towards any person who contributed to the fulfilment of my goals. My message to students is to persevere, to stay patient, not to give up on the ground of circumstances, to persist, to keep going, and to have the strong will to obtain higher academic degrees. Also, in my opinion, every refugee must seek self-improvement, provided that he aims to increase his capacities in another country through self-reliance, for the fruit of success is fruitful and more beautiful when overcoming difficulties.”
By Maha Moujbel
2019
