“I was born in Syria in 1989. My father passed away when I was 14 years old. I pursued my primary, intermediate and secondary education in my city, Daraa, and I was always the valedictorian of my class. I chose to study Arabic Language and Literature and graduated from Damascus University. Then, I moved to Jordan. I chose this field of studies because I am passionate about learning languages. This was my first motive to learn the Arabic language, and to learn other languages in the future. Also, I love writing in Arabic and discovering the characteristics and features of the Arabic language I volunteered many times, for teaching children between 5 to 12 years old at an orphanage during the summer program, as well as in Afaq Center for Development. Also, I helped secondary school Syrian students in their studies and volunteered to correct their exam papers. Today, I am even more determined to achieve my dream to obtain a PhD and to work on raising the level of education, whether in my country or in the host country. I will never give up no matter how hard the situation is. I faced financial difficulties after I moved to Jordan and I had the challenge to ensure the required university documents and to certify them with no possibility to work most of the time. I had so much time and so much energy inside me, but unfortunately, I could not find a suitable opportunity to invest in it. During my Master’s studies, my university was located far from my house, about three hours, and the road to access it was dangerous, which made it difficult to go to university, especially in winter time. Also, it was hard to find some references to study, so I had to travel from a city to another to look for specific books. I also always loved the English language since childhood. As the time passed by, it saddened me not to be able to continue my studies in Jordan because of the high cost. My family could not help me, so I started looking for scholarships, hoping to have the chance to pursue my studies. I focused on my English language and tried to improve my level through the HEEAP language course in the framework of the HOPES project. It was a great experience of which I took advantage, Then, I got the HOPES scholarship to pursue my Master’s studies. Volunteering activities and language and training courses I have taken during the first four years of my residence in Jordan have increased my chance in getting the Master’s scholarship, in addition to my university average and availability of the required documents. Now, I will soon graduate. I also seek to learn a new language, to work on the establishment or the participation in the establishment of an organization for volunteering activities, which is one of my biggest ambitions, and to participate in raising the level of higher education in my beloved country Syria, for I am learning to teach at the end of the day. The HOPES program has offered me the best opportunity of pursuing my Master’s studies in Jordan. I didn’t have to travel for example, or live away from my family. The feeling that something was always supporting me gave me both comfort and strength. I wasn’t worried about my university fees, which allowed me to focus on my studies and give the best I can for myself and for this amazing program that has put hope in me to invest in it. The feeling that I can refer to HOPES program for help in case of any issue at university gave me reassurance that I am protected. Periodical encounters held by the program’s administration were really efficient and useful. It broke the obstacles between students and the program’s administration, as well as it exposed issued and difficulties that we faced in general, and allowed us to benefit from each other’s experience, whether by avoiding the repetition of the same mistakes, or by guiding us towards useful experiences of which I can take advantage. For all those who have a dream or goal, do not give up, there is always a chance coming. At the same time, do not stop waiting for an opportunity, because you might get late. You must work on developing yourself with the available means. Do not be lazy, work seriously, and volunteer, for volunteering activities are the best experiences I took part in. Try to raise your language, social communication and skill level in your field of studies, so as to guarantee a good rather than an average opportunity. At the end of the day, every person makes his own opportunity.”
By Walaa Abazeed
2019
