Experience

My Journey at LAU

Dana El Khoury ’22

My LAU journey is characterized by several events. There are certain events that have left an impact on my life such as becoming president of the Human Rights Club, partaking in the simulation programs, attending Global Classrooms LAU Model United Nations in New York, and winning the Recognition Award, Best Senior Study Award in the BA in Political Science and International Affairs and the Torch Award at graduation.

However, there are other events that are often not given enough credit. Those are the ones that tend to shape us more profoundly. Among them: Trying to find an unblocked road to get to LAU in the midst of protests to make it in time for an exam; bumping into a faculty member for the first time in person after having been taught a course — or more — by them online, engaging in academic discussions about the looming economic crisis prior to its happening; being referred for a job by a faculty member; maintaining a professional relationship with a faculty member despite having already graduated.

These events have enabled me to grow not only academically and professionally, but also personally. My LAU journey was met with external challenges I could not control, but surpassing them strengthened my drive and ambition, reinforced my raison d’être, and revealed my potential. It is due to the connections I have built and the opportunities I have been presented with since becoming an LAU student that I have become the person I am today.

As the first university year passed, I found myself on the right track to achieve my goals in both my majors. Yet I was shocked when unforeseen events threatened my journey. Between the October 17 uprising, the COVID-19 outbreak, the socio-political, economic, and financial crises, and the August 4 explosion, I feared losing momentum. However, I did not falter — instead, I worked much harder to achieve the academic results I aspired for, and I was even lucky enough to advance my professional life simultaneously through multiple internships and jobs.

During my time at LAU, I have reached academic and professional highs I could only dream of. That is why, as a fresh graduate, I have decided to prioritize my personal health and wellbeing for the few months ahead. My academic and professional achievements can only improve if I personally improve. After I take the time to discover myself further through self-development activities and travel, I want to look into an internship or job in the financial sector to explore a newfound interest of mine, finance, before applying to graduate programs that cater to my interests: financial risk, financial economics and public economic policy.

To new students, make the best out of your time at LAU, give equal importance to your personal, academic, and professional lives, and believe in yourself. If your heart and mind are in alignment, there is nothing you cannot achieve.