Whilst studying at Birzeit on a grant from her university, Nahed also volunteered at Orient House, in Jerusalem. Dalia wanted to study in Palestine initially. Next semester, I'll be studying Journalism at the University of Maryland. Many, finding themselves in a similar situation , have opted for a course of study in Business by default, rather than by choice. We come here and don't read or write, some of us don't even speak the language.
Students can apply to the university without knowing how to read and write Arabic.
I have more in common with people in my adopted country. The Israelis restrict us. We need to get a visa in order to stay and then there are the checkpoints and the problems caused by closures. Adjusting to the crippling effects of occupation is a hardship all Palestinians must face. People tend to judge others, although this is present in all societies.