From Syria to Glasgow: Finding confidence and owning my future

Leen, University of Strathclyde alumna

I was eight years old when I left Syria. 

I was just a little girl with ballet shoes, karate lessons and piano practice, growing up in a home full of love in Damascus. I lived with my parents and grandparents, and my grandfather was my greatest inspiration. I carry his last name and I dedicate my success to him. Those early years gave me a strong sense of family, discipline and belonging. 

Then one morning, a missile fell minutes away from where I was walking to school. 

For my safety, my parents sent me to Saudi Arabia to live with my other grandparents. I travelled alone. I didn’t fully understand politics or conflict – only that I was leaving the place I lovingly called home. 

But even at eight years old, something inside me shifted. I didn’t just want to survive what was happening to my country. One day, I wanted to help shape its future. 

The moment purpose found me 

A few years later, during my first visit back to Syria, I remember walking through Beirut airport and noticing the diplomatic lane. It sounds small, but something about it stayed with me. Around that time, I began to understand the reality of conflict not just as headlines, but as lived experience. 

That was when I knew I wanted to study politics and international relations with the goal of pursuing a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy in Geneva. 

My goal became clear: build the education, confidence and credibility to represent Syria with honesty and dignity.  

Why Glasgow became my second home 

Studying in the United Kingdom had always been my childhood dream. But I’m not a big-city person – I’m drawn to nature and close-knit communities. Glasgow felt like home: calm, welcoming and beautifully multicultural. 

Living in Glasgow shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. I met people from all over the world, built meaningful connections and made friends for life. The city gave me opportunities that helped me grow academically and personally. Even during difficult times, the kindness and openness of the community made me feel supported. Glasgow taught me resilience, independence and the value of human connection. 

Through Study Group, I joined the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. When I first stepped onto campus, I remember thinking: I made it. I’m here. I’m fulfilling my dream. 

I'll forever hold a special place in my heart for Glasgow. It's where I built connections. I took opportunities that made me the person I am today. Every time I go through a challenging phase in my life, everyone around me is supporting me, and every time I get the feeling that I chose right. 

Growing in confidence and independence 

As an international student, the International Foundation Year gave me more than academic preparation. It gave me confidence. The small classes meant my tutors knew me. If I had questions, they answered them. If I doubted myself, they guided me. 

When I faced health challenges, I never felt alone. The support was real. I was also honoured to receive the Dean’s Excellence Award – a moment that reminded me that people believed in my potential. 

Since starting at the International Study Centre, I've changed drastically. I've grown, matured and reconnected with my purpose. The foundation year helped me build confidence, adapt to a new academic system and believe in my own abilities. It truly laid the groundwork for everything I've achieved since.

Turning education into action 

Everything I study has always pointed in one direction: back to Syria. 

This summer, I worked with ADRA, an international humanitarian organisation with a branch in Syria, as a Communications Officer and Media Coordinator. Through this role, I’ve been involved in documenting humanitarian work and community recovery efforts.  

I am also currently interning at UN House Scotland, contributing to the Model United Nations, Human Rights and Parliamentary Engagement teams. These roles are not just work experience – they are preparation. They are steps toward diplomacy. Toward representation. Toward impact. 

A message to 8-year-old me 

If you had asked eight-year-old Leen where she would be today, she might not have believed this version of her life was possible. Studying in the UK, working with international organisations and preparing for a future in diplomacy felt like a faraway dream.   

But I would tell her this: Every moment spent wondering about whether she could make a difference and every tear shed when things got tough were worth it. She made her dream come true.