From Caring for Her Family to Healing Her Community
From the age of ten, Aya had grown accustomed to being her family’s doctor. With the ambition to help not only her family, but also her community, her medical journey continues.
His Story
Aya Abu-Rijl, a medical student at The Islamic University in Gaza.
From the young age of ten, Aya had always been the doctor of her house. With both her parents suffering from chronic illnesses, she found herself in charge of taking care of them medically. She had learned how to measure and monitor her mother’s blood pressure. And the doses of her father’s medications, she had learned by heart.
Furthermore, Aya found herself filling in as the care taker of her family from a young age. While her friends of her age would have no responsibilities, she was providing for her family, and for her dream of becoming a doctor.
The war increased that load by displacing Aya and her family from their home. Now, she has to face the reality of postponing her education due to financial hardship. Yet, she remains determined to continue.
The Impact of the Scholarship
Aya’s determination to continue her dream despite the immense weight on her shoulders of caring for her family from her youth was truly admirable. The Samir Scholarship made sure that this determination is met with a helping hand. Now, with the financial support covering her tuition, she would be able to focus on her education, with no delay and without having to choose between her responsibilities or her career.
“I thought I should stop studying this semester, and save up to apply for the next.”
– Aya Abu-Rijl