Palestinian, from Gaza; seeking Undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity Engineering and is enrolled at Univeersity College of Applied Science.
My name is Doha, a 19-year-old Cybersecurity Engineering student at UCAS in Gaza. I come from a family of eight, where my father is a journalist committed to truth, and my mother provides warmth and stability. My younger brother Adam, only four years old, reminds me why hope matters.
Since childhood, our family computer was my window to the world. I spent hours exploring technology, learning, and understanding how digital systems shape our lives.
Everything changed when I discovered that someone had created a Telegram account using my phone number. What could have been fear became curiosity. I wanted to understand how this happened and how people can protect themselves. That moment defined my path toward cybersecurity.
Then came war and displacement. Like many families in Gaza, we faced uncertainty, yet I refused to let it define my future. I graduated high school with 94.4% and completed my first university semester with a 93.12% GPA. During displacement, my old laptop was my most valuable possession it held my studies, dreams, and future.
Today, I am strengthening my skills through Google Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Cisco networking courses toward CCNA certification. My goal is not only to become a cybersecurity professional but to contribute to a safer digital future and empower more young women in Gaza to enter tech.
I believe education creates protection, opportunity, and hope. Your support helps me continue this journey and turn knowledge into impact for my community.
Why Would Donors Fund You?
Your support is an investment in a determined mind committed to cybersecurity and community impact. I aim to advance digital security awareness and empower others academically and technically. I will also support my peers, turning this opportunity into a cycle of knowledge and impact.
How Do You Plan to Payback?
After graduation, I plan to give back through two main paths: first, launching initiatives to raise awareness about digital safety, with a focus on protecting women from online blackmail and strengthening cybersecurity awareness among youth in Gaza. Second, providing training and mentorship in programming and technical skills for students. Later, in my career, I aim to dedicate part of my income to financially support students in need, ensuring education remains accessible and impactful.
Volunteer Work/Social Capital
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to engage in formal large-scale volunteering due to current circumstances, I have consistently supported my peers academically and technically, especially in programming subjects such as Java and basic cybersecurity concepts. I am deeply interested in raising awareness about digital safety, particularly with the rapid growth of AI and increasing risks to personal data. I aspire to actively contribute to community education in cybersecurity and help others protect their digital lives in the future.
What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements
- Early achievement: 3rd place in Gifted Student Competition; completed 18 Juz of Quran with Nooraniyah and Tajweed certification.
- Academic excellence: 94.4% in high school; 93.12% GPA in first university semester.
- Certification: Google Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate.
- Current studies: Cisco networking courses (CCNA track).
- Technical skills: Java programming, problem-solving, and currently learning web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
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