By Tala Salem

Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) gave me the chance to explore the challenges students face under occupation through my senior project for the Digital Communication and Media program, Six Passengers. This script, written with dark humor, depicted the struggles of six students navigating their academic lives amid the realities of occupation. The SP was supervised by Dr. Laura Menchaca Ruiz, the head of the Humanities Division at the AQB.  I was able to creatively express these shared experiences.

AQB was not only a place for academic growth but also a space where I could explore my potential and opportunities. Beyond my studies, AQB offered me the chance to step into the professional world by working as a fellow under Mrs. Lara Khamis, the Chief of Administrative Operations, and Mr. Ahmed Hmeedat, the Recruitment and Communications Officer. This experience equipped me with the skills to navigate professional opportunities and set the stage for my future career. AQB allowed me to grow not just as a student, but also as a professional, preparing me for what lay ahead.

For my master’s thesis, The Trajectories of Women from Low Socioeconomic Status in the Palestinian Job Market, at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, I focused on bettering the Palestinian society by understanding the barriers women face in finding job opportunities. A significant part of my success is owed to AQB, whose support continued beyond my time there. Dr. Laura Menchaca Ruiz and the dean helped me secure the ethical permissions to conduct my research in Palestine, proving that AQB stands by its students not only during their academic journey but also beyond. Now, I am glad to return to Palestine with my MA degree in Social Integration. I am looking forward to working on projects that contribute to the betterment of my community.