A DFL Scholar’s Path to Success in Computer Science
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is proud to celebrate a new milestone of one of our DFL scholars, Grace Hanna from Syria, who has recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium. From adjusting to a new educational system to overcoming academic challenges, Grace’s experience is an example of how determination and perseverance can lead to success. In early October, we had the opportunity to reflect on her academic experiences since joining DFL in Fall 2022.
Adapting To A New Environment
Upon arrival in Belgium, Grace enrolled in language courses that were free for students. Through these courses, she was able to learn some French and practiced conversing in the language with students before and after lectures. By reaching out to her classmates, she developed connections with more people and created new friendships. Grace recommends getting involved in the community and not isolating oneself especially as an international student. In her experience, Grace adapted to life in Brussels by attending meetups with international students and volunteering. She also chose to join a club for Syrian students to help them adjust to life at ULB as well.
Academic Reflections
As she started her Master’s degree in Computer Science at ULB, Grace appreciated the flexibility to decide on your own focus within the program. From the four available modules, she chose to study Software and Critical Systems as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI). These areas aligned with her academic goals and also opened up different pathways for future careers. While Grace had specific experience from her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, she gained stronger technical skills and a better idea of the Belgian IT market through ULB’s program.
For Grace, computer science was the right choice for her. She found that the program she applied to closely aligned with what she had learned and worked on during her studies. Her new job aligns with her interests as she will be working on projects related to data and automation.
When asked about her future career plans, Grace prioritizes gaining experience to progress further in the field of computer science. With regards to further education or training, she is choosing to first build professional experience in Belgium before contemplating any further studies. “My supervisor for my thesis proposed that I continue to get a PhD under his supervision,” Grace explains. “I started my job search, and I think I’ll start one soon in Belgium. I want to work first to build experience and then I’ll consider the next steps.” Despite some setbacks, including delays in securing a work permit, Grace is excited to join the workforce, apply what she learned at ULB to real-world challenges, and work in a field she is very passionate about.
Strength Through Perseverance
Over the course of her Master’s degree, Grace had to overcome academic challenges that tested her strength and resilience. Coming from a different educational background can make it difficult to adjust to new exam formats and study methods. In her first semester of year one, Grace initially found courses difficult as she adjusted to the evaluation methods in Belgium. She needed more support, especially as the academic system in Belgium was very different to what she was used to back in Syria. Over time, she started to adapt and performed better in the following semester.
In her second semester, Grace faced a challenging experience with her supervisor which negatively affected her physical and mental well-being. “I had to choose between continuing with a bad supervisor and changing topics/supervisors,” Grace explains. “The only risk was that I had to take an extra semester to complete my thesis, but I wasn’t sure if I would get an extended scholarship.” The decision was not easy, but she continued to persevere and was rewarded with distinction on her Master’s thesis.
Giving Back To The Community
Although the situation in Syria is too unstable to make plans, Grace hopes to one day create online mentoring sessions for girls. She is also considering doing something related to her field but does not have any projects lined up as of yet.
“Many of them want to travel abroad and pursue their studies. They don’t know how, and Syria has been isolated from the world for many years. They’re lacking resources and knowledge, and need help. This is the best I can do,” shares Grace.
A Message To ULB & The DFL Family
In reflection of her academic journey, Grace sends a message of gratitude to DFL and ULB. For her, studying in Belgium was a life-changing experience. Without DFL’s scholarship, Grace would have been unable to travel or continue her studies abroad. “It’s something I appreciate, and I can’t put my feelings into words. I felt stuck at some point, and everything changed through this opportunity.”
For future and current DFL Scholars, Grace has something to share:
“I’m not the best person [to give] advice but what I will say is that they [new scholars, applicants and women] should never give up. At some point, while studying in a new country, you [will] feel lonely and cold in a Europe without sunlight. Sometimes, you might feel hopeless or like you want to give up. Giving up is not a choice. You need to learn more about your environment, meet people, try to understand their culture and traditions, and try to integrate. People here are friendly and nice, [and they] can help you if you give them the chance.”