"To Be Different But Not Less"

Syrian, from Homs; seeking Undergraduate degree in Genetic Science and is enrolled at Kilis 7 aralık üniversitesi.  

I am Marwa Alsaghir a Syrian refugee in Turkey and a senior genetic science student at Kilis7 Aralık University. I have three siblings.

We arrived in Turkey in 2014, after experiencing displacement twice, first from Homs to Jerood in Damascus countryside then to Killis in Turkey.

My only brother, Abdul-Rahman is autistic. My mother was able to find work in Turkey. My father had to stay home with my brother. I took over the task of caring for my brother when I came back from school.

I had to read a lot to learn how to handle him. Understanding his needs was a challenge. Coping with his frustration over his inability to express his feeling made me sad. It also motivated me to seek educational pathways that influence autism patients.

A special bond developed between us. I became a surrogate mother for him. He taught me the virtue of persistence and patience.

While I was preparing for my campaign, I came across a quote that inspired me. "I am different but not less".

Without Abdul-Rahman, I would have thought that we were all the same. I would not have enjoyed that special link that connects me to a differently beautiful person.

Being different but not less was the best expression of the reason I decided to study Genetic Science. The purpose of knowledge is to understand our find a pattern that allows us to make the best of our situations.

Why Would Donors Fund You?

1. I look forward to carrying out research that focuses on autism patients and how we can develop a cure using Stem Cells. research has proven that the human genome defines who we are but only by 50%. But the rest is arbitrary and unsystematic which requires further research. responsible I intend to pursue genome studies to discover causes for mental diseases. I hope that I would be able to advance our knowledge in this field, particularly for bilingual families.

How Do You Plan to Payback?

1. In the future, I hope that I can open a medical center that supports autism patients using behavioral and psychological therapy.
2. Conducting autism-related research that can support the use of stem cells in finding a cure for autism.

Volunteer Work/Social Capital

1. I volunteered at a school for orphans and participated in many activities.
2. I volunteered with the Turkish Red Crescent.
3. I volunteered with my friend at high school in afforestation. We went to the forests and planted more than 50 trees.
4. In 2021 at the university, my friends and I did a project to recycle natural waste and turn it into things that can be used in daily life.

What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements

1. Obtained Basic Nursing and First Aid Certificate.
2. I participated and contributed to the training program (vocational education and job opportunities for Syrian youth) and obtained a certificate.
3. I attended the (Basic Occupational Health and Safety) training program in Turkey and obtained a certificate.
4. I got a certificate in the basics of using computers, Word, and Excel programs.
5. I obtained a certificate of attendance in the entrepreneurship training program held within the scope of the TAMEB IT Project of the Anatolian Culture, Development, and Solidarity Association.