Nariman and Roba's dream is coming true at the UPV

"It's a very difficult feeling to explain. I'm so happy and grateful to be here, in a safe place, and to have the opportunity to continue my studies. Still, at the same time, my heart and my thoughts remain with my family and with everyone in Gaza."

This is how Nariman Salem Irheem (aged 20) and her sister Roba (aged 19) have begun the academic year and their new lives. These Palestinian students' departure from Gaza was facilitated and finally secured last June by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), on whose campus de Vera (Valencia), they have both begun their Computer Engineering studies as guest students at the institution currently headed by José E. Capilla.

Nariman, moreover, has made a spectacular start, obtaining one of the highest marks in the university entrance exam held at the UNED – a 12.728 – which is, without doubt, an extraordinary achievement given her circumstances and the limited time both sisters had to prepare for the exams.

"This mark represents the start of a new chapter in my life"

"For me, this mark is not just a number," says a delighted Nariman. "It represents the start of a new chapter in my life and, above all, proof that, even in very difficult circumstances, I was able to get this far and begin studying the Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering at the UPV".

"I'm very happy and very proud to have achieved this," she adds, "especially as I had very little time to prepare for the exams. I'm also deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me get to this point. For me, this mark also represents a glimmer of hope. I hope it can serve as a message to other students facing difficult situations: that circumstances may make the journey much more complicated, but they don't have to put an end to our dreams."

Roba: "Next time, I'll have more time. I'm not going to give up or let this result hold me back"

A good example of this is Roba, who admits that "after seeing the result", she had "mixed feelings. I knew achieving a 9.7 or higher would be difficult because I had only a month and a half to prepare for the exams. What's more, I took them in English, when I've always studied in Arabic. Even so, I gave it a go and did my very best. I studied hard, but I couldn't get through the whole syllabus.

In any case, Roba is carrying on and has a clear goal in mind: "To study Computer Science, I need a 9.7 or higher, so I'll have to sit the exams again next year. This time I'll have more time to prepare, and I'll be able to do better. I'm ready to keep fighting. I'm not going to give up or let this result stop me. I'm going to keep working hard, try again, and I'm determined to get the mark I need. I know I'm going to achieve my goal," she concludes with conviction.

The lectures, the Spanish, the new friends…

In any case, both of them, focused on day-to-day life, naturally focus on the positives, of which there are plenty: "We've already finished our third week at university and, although the start hasn't been easy, I'm really enjoying this new chapter. Every day I feel like I'm seeing my dream come true right before my eyes, and that makes me cherish every moment," says Nariman with a smile.

"The process of learning new things is particularly memorable, both in lessons and during practical activities. My lessons are in English, but I'm also learning Spanish and trying to use it with my classmates every day. Little by little, I'm feeling more confident talking to them and becoming part of university life," explains Nariman, who already has a good understanding of Spanish and, together with her sister, plans to sit the B2 exam next April.

"My wish is that one day all young Palestinians can study and pursue their dreams under normal circumstances"

However, although their daily lives are like those of any other students, Nariman and Roba are very much aware of where they come from and of the reality in Gaza, which remains dire. "It's difficult to live a life that's starting to feel normal – going to class, studying, getting to know classmates and thinking about the future – while knowing that the situation back home remains so difficult. There are moments of happiness because of everything I'm experiencing here, but there's also worry, sadness and a great deal of homesickness."

"Even so," she adds, "I want to make the most of this opportunity to build a future I can be proud of. I want my story to have a purpose and, in the future, to be able to make a difference and help other young people who, like me, have dreams and want to study, but perhaps haven't had the same opportunities."

"My hope is that a day will come when all young Palestinians can study, build their future and pursue their dreams under normal circumstances. And I want to do everything in my power so that, one day, I can help others achieve what I now have the opportunity to achieve," she concludes.

The committed support of Resa Patacona

To obtain this, the involvement of many people and institutions has been key. Not surprisingly, during just a few days, public solidarity raised 12,000 euros to help cover their living costs, to which must undoubtedly be added the gesture of Resa Patacona. This student residence is currently hosting them free of charge.

The reality is that Nariman and Roba still have a long way to go, but with their determination, their skills, and the support of a socially committed community, the beginning of their story at the UPV is, without a doubt, a source of hope.