Danah Al-Abduljabbar left her home in Saudi Arabia for a seven-year study program in Poland. Despite the challenges, she clung to her dream. In 2016, at 17 years old, she began her journey at the Medical University of Warsaw.
Warsaw surprised her with its tranquility, providing comfort amidst the overwhelming newness. Despite her youth and limitations, her father's presence reassured her, ensuring nothing would stand in the way of her plans to study there.
After her father left, Danah Al-Abduljabbar embraced her independence with a sense of security. Her long-standing desire for studying abroad and being self-reliant fueled her courage. She faced the language barrier with confidence, drawing strength from her identity, previous travels, and her father's guidance in learning local languages.
Al-Abduljabbar and 34 fellow Saudi students in Poland mastered Polish, embraced Eastern European culture, endured freezing temperatures, and developed self-reliance. Al-Awami, a fellow graduate, believed that independence was the most empowering element of their journey.
Amid challenges, they found strength in their roots and family support. Tahirah Al-Garrous stayed focused on her goal, seeing each obstacle as a step forward. Along the way, she embraced acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of savoring the journey as much as the final destination.
The journey continues for Al-Abduljabbar, Al-Awami, and their medical peers. They aim to return home, secure internships, and explore specializations. Before that, they prioritize spending time with family. Al-Abduljabbar eagerly anticipates the arrival of her parents in Warsaw to help her complete this phase of her journey. Staying connected through video calls keeps them motivated.
Poland attracts Saudi students with its varied degree programs, but medicine remains a top preference. The recent graduates, mostly women, exemplify the success of Vision 2030. Saudi Ambassador Saad Al-Saleh takes pride in this achievement, emphasizing the importance of quality education for female students, including his own daughters, to shape their futures.
Ambassador Al-Saleh praised the resilience of students, like those from the Medical University of Warsaw, who pursued challenging fields and lived far from home. Their dedication and focus in achieving their goals, despite the distance from their families, were truly remarkable and inspiring.
