Bushra El-Hajj Badran

• Bushra El-Hajj Badran ’85
  Senior Continuing Education Administrative Officer at LAU
• Ibrahim Badran ’21
  BS in Business with emphasis in Marketing, Adnan Kassar School of Business
  Minor in Advertising and Public Relations

I have many pieces of advice to give my son, Ibrahim. 

But, in brief, I will tell him that I am proud of him and will always support him. There is no better time than now to go out there and continue to learn. Be always honest and true to yourself. And always remember that nobody is going to help you reach your goals other than you.

Be proud of yourself. This is your first step on the ladder and you have a long way to go. Focus on the future and stay positive. The best is yet to come.

Never forget, though, to celebrate the smallest and biggest accomplishments with your beloved family who will be always there for you.

As a special memory? When I graduated from LAU in 1985, we didn’t have a commencement ceremony due to the civil war, and I was sad last year that my son was going to miss out on a graduating ceremony like me. But LAU made up for it by giving the graduates of 2021 an opportunity to enjoy their day.

While assisting in the commencement ceremony, I was deeply moved to see these young men and beautiful young ladies marching the first two days. The third day was my son’s turn, and no words can describe the overwhelming happiness I felt then.

As I sat there, I was transported back to the old days when he was five years old running on campus and having water fights with the summer camp children; growing up year after year, spending his summers on campus, right up to this day when he became a young man graduating with distinction.

In a few words, I would say, thank you LAU. I owe you a lot and I will remain loyal and devoted to serving your purposes.