2 Scholarships, 3 Degrees, and a Future Together

From Tarshiha, a village in northern Israel now echoing with the sounds of conflict, emerges a story of resilience and hope. Hanan Abu Hassan's journey reflects not only personal achievement but also the profound impact of unwavering family support combined with institutional belief in promising students.

Born in 1996 to parents who understood the power of education, Hanan's academic journey was set in motion by their wholehearted investment in her future. Her father, working in earthworks, and her mother, a kindergarten assistant, prioritized their children's education from the start, fully supporting Hanan's undergraduate and graduate studies. But this doesn’t mean it was easy. Hanan received two scholarships from Bar-Ilan University that enabled her to enrich her academic path.

The moment she learned of receiving the scholarships remains vivid in her memory. "I couldn't believe it!" Hanan recalls, "I immediately shared the news with my family, and their joy and pride made the moment even more special."

"Receiving these scholarships had a profound impact on my academic journey," Hanan reflects. "They provided not only additional financial support but also opened up opportunities for networking and mentorship. This allowed me to focus even more intensely on my studies and pursue research projects and internships that significantly enhanced my learning experience."

Meeting her scholarship donor proved to be another pivotal moment. "It was an incredibly emotional experience," Hanan shares, “their support provided me with encouragement and belief in my potential. I wanted to prove that their investment was worthwhile," she explains, "which drove me to set higher goals and actively pursue my academic and professional aspirations."

With both family support and scholarship backing, Hanan thrived at Bar-Ilan University, but again, it was never easy. "The first year was particularly challenging," she remembers. "I was in a new environment away from my parents and friends, and navigating a language that was not my first." Yet these initial hurdles became merely stepping stones on her journey.

The combined support allowed Hanan to fully immerse herself in her studies, leading her from an undergraduate degree in biotechnology to a master's program, where her passion for research truly flourished. In Prof. Ronit Sarid's laboratory, she found her calling in virology, which ultimately led to her current pursuit of a PhD.

During this academic journey, Hanan's personal life took a beautiful turn. Through a family connection, she met her partner, an occupational therapist working in Tarshiha. Their relationship has grown alongside their academic and professional aspirations, with exciting plans for their future together.

"What makes this experience so fascinating is how our individual academic paths intertwine," Hanan shares. "While I'm immersed in the world of research, he's focused on his own career development. His perspective as an occupational therapist has been valuable in helping me navigate challenges in a more holistic way, reminding me to take care of my mental and physical well-being, especially when juggling intense research and study periods."

Throughout her journey, Hanan has experienced tremendous personal growth. "The challenges I faced, from adjusting to a new academic environment to navigating complex research projects, taught me resilience, adaptability, and perseverance," she reflects. "I've learned how to manage my time more effectively, balancing coursework, research, and personal life. Working closely with professors, peers, and research teams has helped me develop stronger communication and collaboration skills."

One particularly proud moment stands out in Hanan's memory: her first academic conference presentation. "As I stood there, speaking about my research and answering questions, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment," she reflects. "The support I had received from my family, mentors, and colleagues leading up to the presentation was invaluable. Their encouragement and feedback helped me refine my ideas and build the confidence to stand in front of the audience." That conference was the first to many that followed and will follow.

"Hanan was both a master’s and doctoral research student under my supervision", shares Prof. Ronit Sarid, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at BIU. "Over the years, I had the privilege of not only guiding her but also of witnessing her growth into a skilled researcher, characterized by resilience, goal-oriented dedication, and determination. Hanan was also my first research student from the Arab sector, which provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about the day-to-day life, traditions, and holiday customs of this community. This experience was both enriching and meaningful for me and for the entire research group, where Hanan integrated seamlessly. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the unwavering support from Hanan’s family, which was evident throughout her academic journey. Their encouragement empowered her to pursue her path with strength and commitment".

Looking ahead, Hanan and her partner have ambitious plans. "We've discussed the possibility of going abroad together for a certain period to further our academic careers," she shares. "He plans to continue his master's degree studies in his field, while I would pursue a post-doc. The idea of experiencing this new chapter together, both academically and personally, is exciting for us."

To students considering applying for scholarships, Hanan's message is clear and encouraging: "I want to encourage any students who are hesitating to apply for scholarships to take the leap and go for it! Scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of education and open doors to opportunities you might not have considered."

Hanan's story is a testament to the power of family support, institutional belief in students, but most of all - personal determination.