SALAM ALIKOM everyone; I hope everything comes up roses with you. This is me, SAAD M. S. ABUSHARBAIN. I am a Palestinian student from Gaza Strip. Yet, I travelled to Istanbul in February 2020 to continue my master study in Anglo-American Literature and Creative Writing Program. For sure, travelling teaches me many valuable lessons that I did not find in the books. However, my life in Istanbul was and still replete with ups and downs. I arrived in Istanbul 2 weeks late for my study because it was not an easy mission for me to travel from Palestine to Istanbul. You know, life is extremely hard in Palestine and specifically in Gaza Strip, the place where I live. It took one month from me to only get my student visa and to see my name in the travelers' list. Gaza Strip is a place full of tensions and wars. Besides, its economic situation is very fragile. 

   Before I leave Palestine, I got an acceptance from Istanbul Aydin University to start my MA. study there. Also, I sent them 1500$ as a first installment for my study. Unfortunately, when I arrived Istanbul, they told me that you were late two weeks and you could not start your study. At that time, I was very sad because I felt as if I am lost. I did not know what shall I do. However, I said to myself that I am here for a reason. I have a target that I must achieve. I did not leave my family alone in Gaza Strip to waste my time in Istanbul. Therefore, I did not leave a single stone unturned. And luckily, I discovered that Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil university was still registering students in the master programs. But, I did not have much time because it was the last day for registration. The international office at Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil university told me that you have only 5 hours before completing the registration. Also, they told me that you will study a master degree of Anglo-American Literature and Creative Writing Program but without thesis because the registration for students with thesis has done. The international office promised me once I finish two semesters with a high score, I can shift my program to a thesis one. Therefore, I was a little bit elated at that time because I will study and seize my time. Yet, the travelling journey from Palestine to Istanbul costs me very much. Moreover, Istanbul Aydin University did not give me back my tuitions which is 1500$. I became between the deep blue sea and the rock because I want to study but I have to pay new tuitions for Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University. Besides, I could not call my father because I know his severe economic situation; specially because my 2 brothers and sister study in Palestinian universities in Gaza. As a result, I called one of my friends, and I explained the situation for him with eyes full of tears. Fortunately, he helped me immediately and sent me 2000$ as a new payment for starting studying MA. in Anglo-American Literature and Creative Writing Program at Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University. I managed to study that semester which was my first semester at the university. I studied very hard, and I was sleeping only 5 hours per day. Luckily, I got 4 out of 4 at my first semester.

 Then, I started studying my second semester which was a little bit easier for me because I did not face those troubles and obstacles which were in the first one. My father sent me the second payment for the university which was 2050$. However, I was sad when I knew that he sent me the last money he has. My family believes in the power of education. Therefore, my father always motivates me to keep moving forward and to keep studying. However, tuitions were a basic problem for me at each stage. I studied 5 subjects in the second semester, and I studied harder than the first one because I need a high score in order to shift my program to a thesis one. Fortunately, I also got 4 out of 4 in the second semester. This means that I got 100% in the first year of my MA. study. This for sure enables me to shift my program to a thesis one because I was the only student who got this average.

    After that, I started writing my thesis which is on Forms and Functions of Metafiction in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain in 1885. My thesis style was excellent and my supervisor was very glad. Since February 2020 till now, I learnt many educational and life lessons. 

My educational journey in Istanbul was difficult but very useful at the same time. 

    I write my story right now for you to tell you that I have achieved the first dream of my life which is getting the MA. in Anglo-American Literature and Creative Writing Program with 100%. Also, I look forward to studying my Ph.D. in Istanbul at the same university. Yet, I did not have any money to fulfill this dream. I did not have anything except my energy and a strong determination. However, energy alone is not enough to start studying the Ph.D. I write my story to tell you that I need your hand to accomplish my dream. Your donation can help me to get the Ph.D. and it will enable me to help my country when I come back Palestine. I chose this major not only because I am in love with English literature but because there is a sever lack in the number of instructors who teach English literature in Gaza. My Ph.D. tuitions is 9500$ and I need another 9500$ as expenses for 3 years because there is no student who can get the Ph.D. before 3 years. 

    Therefore, I need your help to make my dream come true. For my Ph.D. thesis, I would like to research on " Imagining Shakespeare- Inspired World: the importance of the bard." Or " The importance of human philosophy of literature." I am sure that the knowledge I shall receive in the Ph.D. study in English literature will be able to be applied in the future in order to become professional. I can help people and teams to develop their own potential, to overcome obstacles and to achieve their goals. While working in the public sector, we all strive for positive changes in our society. I am sure all changes we want in the educational system have to start with ourselves. I shall develop national programs, which could help to adjust long-term relations among cultures and continents. 

    Concerning my personality, I believe I am very responsible individual who loves to learn new things in life and to seek new experiences. I enjoy observing the people around me and meeting others with understanding and respect. Making friends is one of my greatest abilities. I have a passion for photography, and I enjoy browsing photo exhibitions even more than taking photos for myself. Also, I kike reading English literature. Moreover, I regularly attend performances of the Russian theatre, such as The European Theatre of Drama and others. 

    My interest of literature was gradually shaped throughout my life by different ways in which I have experienced the skills of English language: as a learner, a translator, and a trainer of English. However, it was the times spent studying in Palestine that made me fully understand that language can be a means of conveying much more than just our thoughts. In fact, it also carries all the information about our background, education, beliefs, prejudices, and generally reflects the way we categorize the world around us. I think that reading and writing different genres go together perfectly, and the success of the latter is entwined with the scope of the former. This is the main reason I wish to study my Ph.D. in English literature. I have always been told that I have an extensive imagination and writing allows me to channel it into creating unrestricted, fictional worlds. Literature, as a subject, has always seemed to show me paths and authors that I had never considered before, such as Ian McEwan  at A Level, and John Steinbeck prior to that. Indeed, I have been fascinated by the English language and literature. While young, I would either be writing, reading, or telling stories and ever since then, I have read a wide variety of both fiction and non-fiction texts from various genres and eras. 

    Finally, I do thank you for your time and consideration. Your donation will enable me to study the Ph.D. in English literature. I have taught that sharing is caring and hand in hand, we can achieve the best. The Ph.D. tuitions is 9500$ in Istanbul, and the expenses for three years study will be at least 9500$. So, your donation is indeed important for me. Highly appreciated. 

SAAD M. S. ABUSHARBAIN

A Palestinian Student from Gaza Strip