Experience

My Journey at LAU

Balsam Gharib ‘22

If I were to describe my journey at LAU in three words, they would be: insightful, enthralling, and all-empowering. 

LAU helped me discover my enthusiasm for debate and interest in global affairs when I was still a high-school student participating in the Model United Nations (MUN) simulation program that it organizes annually. The MUN simulation program allowed me to deviate from the traditional career paths in the natural sciences to tailoring a new future in the realm of the social sciences. I was granted the Diplomacy Award back then, which also helped me attain a partial scholarship to LAU.

Pursuing political science and international affairs at LAU was a starting point in my understanding of surrounding global conflicts, class struggles, and existing power gaps. My academic journey here can best be described as an emotional rollercoaster. Numerous study sessions, sleepless nights, and times when I thought I would not make it; but eventually the sense of achievement and the immense support of faculty members, friends, and family kept me dedicated to my end goal.

I learned how to be critical, properly analyze and assess challenging political scenarios and most importantly, conduct research. I also challenged myself by entering the Honors program, which allowed me to take post-graduate courses, advanced elective courses, and workshops alongside my undergraduate degree. After three years, I can wholeheartedly say that every single course I took had a great impact on me. I was lucky to come across top-notch professors who shaped my perspectives academically and helped me hone my skills professionally. Here, I cannot but extend my deepest gratitude to Professor Sami Baroudi and Visiting Lecturer Latife Reda whose guidance I will forever cherish.

In addition to an impeccable academic program, LAU opened many doors for me that helped configure my professional pursuits. One of the most transformative opportunities was an exchange semester at Sciences Po in Paris. I will never forget this experience and the lessons I learned while abroad. I also managed to participate in clubs, lead impactful initiatives, and land different student employment jobs at the university.

Moreover, after participating as a delegate in MUN, it was truly amazing to become a trainer in the programs and be able to write 30-page background guides and direct final conferences. Not to mention the myriad programs that I was able to apply to as a result of the vast network of partnerships and connections I was exposed to via LAU. For instance, I recently came back from the United States after participating in the Study of the US Institutes (SUSI) program on women leadership. I also won a grant to lead and implement a project for women empowerment in my village, Kfarmatta.

After much hard work and managing multiple duties alongside my studies, I am beyond grateful for graduating with high distinction and gaining the President’s Award and the Best Senior Study Award for this academic year. LAU has given me a lot and it will always have a special place in my heart.

The main takeaway for me is that one’s attitude and perspectives can change any unfortunate or difficult situation into a potential for hope or change. I have been blessed with many opportunities and rejected by others, but this is what pushes me forward. Keep working, you will get there, and “there” should only be your beginning.