The best university is the university that teaches you how to live
Few years of my life have passed by between the halls of my university where I had to work hard, be dedicated and face difficult times. I also remember all the good times and the distinguished friends I knew as a freshman. My journey began in the Public Relations Department which was definitely a hard start but ended beautifully.
By: Dalia Kharouf
I graduated from high school with a good GPA average. It was my dream to complete my studies at An-Najah National University and register in a programme that fits my interests. I was very happy with my GPA average, which allowed me to enter the specialization I wanted. When I applied for the University, I was looking forward to enrolling in the law programme. However, the PR programme drew my attention as its graduates have a flourishing future.
During my first year of study, I met many friends and had mutual respect with the department's professors. As a public relations freshman, I took English courses to develop my English competencies. This helped me to face some difficulties, but I had to study in another discipline. Unfortunately, I encountered more difficulties but with great determination and will, I was able to improve my skills and overcome the difficulties I had experienced during that semester. Luckily, I had a supportive family that helped me in every step to overcome the difficulties I faced. However, in my second year, I volunteered at the AMIDEAST Office, which contributed to improving my English skills. Also, it helped me deal with international delegations visiting Palestine.
In my third year, I participated in various activities and seminars such as the “Expand Your Reading Skills” and “I studied media”. One of my professors once said: “The keys to success for journalists are good reading and language fluency”.
During the time, I volunteered in the Public Relations Department and benefited from many participants and activities such as receiving school students and organizing seminars and workshops. Thus, I gained enough experience that made me a confidant person. This was one of the most important steps I have taken in my university life. I improved my practical skills through participating in several course activities. The workshops included the “I am a Palestinian” and the “I can” workshop. I also was an active participant with the public relations skills course team, in which the Director of Rawabi Company was co-hosted. We were influential that we grabbed the guest's attention instantly.
As a junior, I participated in organizing a workshop on etiquette and public relations, which was part of the public relations etiquette course. The workshop was valuable that we drew the audience attention specially the women who are specialists in public relations etiquette.
My participation in the launch of the “A Step to Your Dream” campaign which was part of the public relations campaign and strategy course helped me to establish links with the campaign sponsor Education for Employment Palestine. This gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and experience in the field of public relations and benefit from the company which aims to empower youth with the skills and opportunities they need to build careers that create a better future for themselves.
At the beginning, I thought that once I enter the university, all I had to do was to wait for the graduation moment with impatience. I have always thought that as long as I was a part of A-Najah, a certificate is waiting for me and I am going to pass the university years with ease or so I thought. After that my perception of things changed.
Throughout my university experience, I discovered my great abilities that I can achieve and implement things I thought were impossible. I discovered talents in myself that I did not notice before. I learned that the university is not just a book we are to study; it is the experience and skills we gain through our follow up.