Sara Almidany left behind conflict in Syria to continue her education in the United States, and, attending high school in Texas, she began studying at UNM.
“Having to leave Syria is one hard thing that I will never forget,” she said. “I will never stop being homesick, no matter how well I fit in.”
The freshman biology and pre-medical school major is now the first UNM recipient of the 100 Syrian Women, 10,000 Syrian Lives scholarship.
Almidany is among only 18 other women participating in the program throughout Canada and the United States.
As one of 13 universities — including Brown University and Harvard — UNM is partaking in the program’s first session via sponsorship by the Institute of International Education and Jusoor, a non-governmental organization aimed at assisting Syria and bettering the lives of young people with Syrian roots.
The 100 Syrian Women, 10,000 Syrian Lives scholarship program offers women in Syria the chance to avoid educational interruptions, due to violence in their country, by pursuing an education in Canada or the United States.
“This scholarship is open to Syrian women who have demonstrated exemplary social service with leadership, academic excellence and civic responsibility, who have characteristics reflecting the importance of empathy, humility, courage and resilience, and who have potential to serve as global leaders,” according to the scholarship’s website.
Global Education Initiatives Executive Director Nicole Tami said Almidany met and exceeded the scholarship criteria.
When she discovered she had been selected for the program, Almidany said she was “beyond happy.”
“I felt like I am the luckiest person, and that there is still some hope,” she said. ”It means a lot to me being one of the first people to receive the scholarship and also being the (first) at UNM. This makes me want to work with UNM so we can host more Syrians on our campus.”
Tami said a friend informed her of the program. After some research and speaking with the administration, it was implemented at the University.
“I think it’s important to make sure that education and a college degree is accessible to all students,” Tami said. “Through education, we create opportunities for important discussions, enhance understanding in an increasingly complex, global society and inspire young minds to share their knowledge and improve the lives of others.”
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Almidany said while Syrians are losing their “country, families, houses, future,” the “least they can get” is a good education.
“These scholarships are so important, because without it, we will be lost,” she said, adding that she plans on pursuing medical school but is hoping to return to Syria in the future.
Almidany said the program has allowed her to pursue her education and “achieve the first part of my dreams.”
“We are all working on being the good people and doing the right things. We’re leaving an impact in our cities, on our campuses and hopefully one day, the world,” she said “The whole point of the scholarship is to educate 100 Syrian women so they can benefit 10,000 Syrian lives. And while working on that, we will be impacting the world.”
Tami said the education Sara receives here will go with her “wherever she goes.”
“The reputation of the University, the city and the state will be carried forward through her and her work,” she said.
“We are not here to do bad things. We are here to change and develop ourselves, so we can be the best version of ourselves,” Almidany said, adding that she encourages others to do the same, rather than using their energy on hatred and critique.
Elizabeth Sanchez is a reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
