Experience

My Journey at LAU

Carla Ghanem ’22

Carla receiving the USP Excellence Award First Prize from left to right: Ms. Nada Mikhael, President Michel Mawad, Carla Ghanem, and Acting Mission Director Mr. Nicholas Vivio
Carla during the USAID HES USP graduation ceremony

Technology has always fascinated me. I grew up with the curiosity and drive to understand how machines work, the way technology can connect us regardless of distance. So, in high school, I set my mind on pursuing computer engineering. When the University Scholarship Program representatives visited our school, I realized that this dream was within reach.

Fast forward four years, and here I am graduating from one of the top universities in Lebanon as a computer engineer. The journey was not easy, as I had to get accustomed to a new lifestyle, make friends, adapt to a different way of learning and a new environment.

Once the transition was complete, I discovered more about myself as I took up volunteering and community service, enjoyed overcoming new challenges, met new people, and built a network. I became the president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Student Branch club at LAU. I also rose through the ranks at AIESEC Beirut to assume its presidency.

I received endless support from the Outreach and Civic Engagement staff, who constantly pushed me to become a better version of myself, identified my strengths and showed me how to achieve my full potential. All this helped me win the USP Excellence Award.

It has been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I am more than grateful to LAU and to USAID for giving me all these opportunities.