Arab Conference at Harvard Experience

I’m deeply grateful to Washington and Lee university for giving me the opportunity to attend the Arab Conference at Harvard. It was an experience that inspired me in ways I did not expect, and I left feeling more connected, more reflective, and even more certain of the kind of person I hope to become.

Even though there were some interesting aspects of the conference, I tend to hold on to the good in every experience. There was something quietly unique about being at the Arab Conference at Harvard. Maybe it was the fact that I go to a small liberal arts school in Virginia where there are not many Arabs. It was not just about listening to speakers or meeting very successful people. It was the feeling of seeing many individuals from across the Arab world gathered in one place, carrying pieces of the same history, struggle, hope, and ambition. It reminded me how meaningful and beautiful it is when people from our culture come together not only to succeed, but to lift one another up. I was genuinely happy to see what success we achieved all over the world.

What left a deep impression on me was the idea that no matter how far we go, part of our heart should remain attached to home and to our people, especially those who are still in need. The conference made me reflect on things we often overlook, on how many opportunities I have had back home, how many I have now, and how many I may have in the future. More importantly, it made me think about what I owe in return. Success feels different when you remember that it should never be yours alone. It should also become a way of giving back.

Another thing that stuck with me was listening to people talk about the world we live in today, how fast everything is moving, and how crucial it is to evolve and develop alongside these changes. In particular, one speaker spoke about AI in a way that I really resonated with, as something not to be afraid of, but rather to understand and embrace with intention, awareness, and purpose. I wholeheartedly agree with him. We live in a time when such technologies are becoming part of everything, and I find it meaningful to decide to implement them consciously, constructively, and thoughtfully. The essence of what I found most appealing was not the topic only, but the idea behind it to remain curious and open-minded, and not allow the world around you to pass by without you taking your rightful place in it.

And perhaps this is why being in the presence of Arabs from so many different backgrounds affected me the most because we have managed to take with us some piece of home, no matter how far we travel. We bring with us pieces of our cultural heritage through our speech, through our dreams, through our creativity, through our caring attitude towards others and simply through our constant presence in this world. No matter where we go or how much it may differ from our culture, we have that sense of wanting to leave behind something of us. To thrive, to evolve, to connect, but without losing our past. It was reassuring to observe this universal desire in everyone I met. It made me realize that our culture is not something we discard once we move ahead in life. It is something we cherish and showcase wherever we end up.

But aside from all the talks, discussions, and panel presentations, there were people who I knew would leave a lasting impression. Some even felt like they’ve been my friends for quite some time. There was this one person who told me to be myself, to pursue things artistically, truthfully, and personally, to continue discovering and doing everything - Raneem. If you're reading this, please know that I really appreciated talking to you and hope to see you achieve all your dreams Inshallah!

More than just information and motivation, I walked away with warmth, acceptance, and a sense of duty. There was something about the place that felt homely, with connections being made, people uplifting one another, and reminding each other that being ambitious and being rooted do not have to be opposites. Sometimes, all that matters is being around those who accept us for who we are and never forget that wherever you go, you should carry your people with you.