isabella

Day 1 | The Day I Graduated

This photo marks one of the happiest moments of my life. After years of studying Computer Systems Engineering—and after watching war interrupt so many plans—I finally saw these words: "Officially Bachelor in Computer Systems Engineering." It wasn't just a degree. It was proof that even when everything around me became uncertain, I could still hold on to one thing: Education. That day, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn't stop here. Today, that promise has become a Master's admission. But every journey has another mountain to climb, and mine is finding a way to continue. Over the next few days, I'd like to share my story—not just about the challenges I've faced, but about the hope that keeps me moving forward.

Thank you for being here. ❤️ If you'd like to support my Master's journey, you'll find my fundraiser below.

There were many moments when giving up would have been the easiest choice.

Classes were interrupted.

Electricity was unreliable.

Internet access disappeared for days.

The future felt uncertain more times than I can count.

More than once, I asked myself:

"Is it still worth continuing?"

Each time, my answer was the same.

Yes.

Not because it was easy.

But because I believed education was one of the few things that war could not take away from me.

That belief carried me through my bachelor's degree.

It led me to my Master's admission.

And today, it keeps me fighting to protect that opportunity.

There was a time when I couldn't change the reality around me.

But I believed I could help someone continue learning.

That belief led me to create Isnad, an educational initiative that supports students in Gaza through training, learning opportunities, and a community that encourages them not to give up.

Helping others reminded me why education matters.

And today, that same belief is what keeps me fighting for my own Master's journey.

There are moments you never forget.

One of them was opening an email that began with:

"Congratulations..."

After everything I had been through, I had finally been accepted into a Master's program.

For a few minutes, nothing else mattered.

Every late night.

Every obstacle.

Every moment I refused to give up...

It finally felt worth it.

But I soon realized something difficult.

Receiving admission was only the beginning.

Over the past five days, I have shared the details of my journey with you—from graduating in Gaza and refusing to give up, to founding the "Isnad" initiative, and finally, receiving my acceptance into a master’s program.

Today, I would like to conclude this series with one final goal.

I need to raise $150.

This is the amount I am asking this community to help me secure so I can finalize the registration fees for my master’s program.

We have seen before how even small donations of $5 or $7 can make a difference.

This is where my series ends, and—I hope—where the next chapter of my life begins.

If you have been following my story over the past few days, please help me complete this chapter—whether by donating or simply sharing this post so it reaches someone who can help.

$115 left.

Every $5 is genuinely moving this forward. If 23 more people gave $5, we’d reach the goal.

If you can’t donate, a reblog can help this reach someone who can.