Fairness cannot exist without development

I am not very good with words, and even less so in front of a camera. This is why I wanted to

write this message to accompany the video update, to better express how truly thankful I am

for your support.

When I first came to the U.S., I was the only Syrian student in Washington State University

taking courses and trying to adapt with little to no support. And while I was here, I saw my

country being destroyed one city at a time with no power to do anything but to watch and wait.

I took as many courses as I could, while financial and emotional obstacles brought me down. 

I thought I would not make it to graduation many times, but this past year has been especially

tough for me. On top of all the emotional stress I constantly must fight, and how hard it was to

balance my studies and my job, I suddenly had to face a new battle. The situation in Syria

reached a point where my parents could not help me pay for my tuition anymore. 

After all these years in the US working hard to keep up with my studies, struggling to deal with

the pain of everything I went through back home, surviving with the very little money I made

working, missing my family who were suffering so far away from me... I saw myself unable to

achieve my goal. I wouldn't be able to graduate, with only 30 credits left. I felt like all the effort

had been for nothing. I felt alone and desperate, with nobody to rely on, without a chance,

completely out of options. 

When edSeed gave me this chance, it was nothing short of a miracle. I consider myself

incredibly lucky to be one of the students edSeed supports. I was astonished by the amount of

support and love I got throughout my campaign. I got to meet with wonderful people and

students whose stories encouraged me and kept pushing me forward towards success over the

summer semester. I also gained the support system that all students need, which allowed me to

get higher grades. Everything was looking up.

And yet, I couldn't help but feel that I didn't deserve it. Why me, when so many others are also

in need? Those doubts often led me to sabotage my chances, and disappoint those who put

their trust in me. But, eventually, your support showed me the answer. Why me? So that, when

I graduate, I can be a force for change, through my professional job as well as volunteering. The

experience that I gained working with edSeed gave me a sense of responsibility that will be

reflected in my commitment to help other students, because I believe in education as an

opportunity for a better future. Your generosity will not end with me, because I will carry it with

me and will use it as inspiration to help others along the way. 

When I was back home, survival was my main concern. With your support and edSeed’s

guidance, I will be able to aim higher. This is me in the photograph, allowing myself to dream

about my desired job, finally able to look at the future instead of the past... And it is all because

of you. 

Thank you.