“I studied computational linguistics and natural language processing (NLP). I have finished my second year of master’s degree at the Lebanese University, Center of language sciences and communication. I believe that the generous opportunities that were given by the European Union, support those like me to study and live an honorable life. The HOPES project is very supportive and fills the self with great motivation. Whenever I meet the HOPES team, I feel motivated to overcome such difficulties and challenges I face in my daily life. Fortunately, I have achieved a lot in two years. I have contributed to computational linguistics and natural language processing (NLP) research with 5 research papers that are published in international journals. I have also volunteered in two organisations—Food Blessed and Utopians—to help refugees in need of sharing food and acquiring knowledge in the English language. From my participation, I have learned that, even though I am a refugee, I can still help others, and I will continue to do so in my surrounding community. Nothing could stop a soul with hope, showing that people in poverty like me can also have a voice and a role in the society the same as anyone else in the community. I am planning to enhance my knowledge in computer and language sciences by enrolling in a PhD programme outside the Middle East. I believe nothing is impossible as long as I have the chance to live. I encourage refugee students to work harder on themselves in gaining the knowledge on multivariate topics online aside from the university materials. Therefore, they can achieve what is impossible for others. In the hope that one day, they find the right opportunity at the right time to achieve their goals. And, remember that faith and persistence are the only keys for success.”
By Marwan Al Omari
2019
