Experience

My Journey at LAU

Kamar Shamieh ‘22

The five years I spent at LAU changed aspects of my identity and completely shaped my personality. I started my journey at the university as an architecture student, thinking it was the major I wanted to pursue, but it was not what I had expected. After three years of endless overnights and emotional turmoil, I decided to shift to interior architecture. This was one of the critical moments that defined the beginning of a journey I am still exploring. However, this decision was preceded by countless experiences through which I discovered who I really am and what I wanted.

I always participated in events at LAU, such as Taekwondo, lectures, and Track and Field varsity team, among many others. I believe that LAU provided me with a safe space to explore options that were unavailable at my school and hometown. After the major shift, I declared a minor in photography and fine arts and became the treasurer of the reactivated Design Club and the President of the Photography Club.

All these achievements might seem exceptionally good on my CV, but this wasn’t what truly mattered. The important thing is that I learned to fail and accept it as something necessary and positive. I discovered that failure is the universe’s way of guiding me toward who I should become. This journey taught me that we are allowed to change our dreams, unlearn what we thought is good for us, and acquire new goals for ourselves. All this wouldn’t have been possible without my friends and my family who supported me and stood by me at the worst moments of my life. Frankly, I do not know what I am doing most days, but what I am sure of is that I trust myself enough to be able to face what the future holds for me. For the time being, I will work in interior architecture while pursuing my love for photography and the arts, and later on, I will apply for the master’s program that I feel will satisfy my passion.