I’m faced with uncertainty on how to commence my narrative, prompting a deep dive into understanding myself and my future trajectory. Who am I? Where will my journey lead? I, Abdelrahman, hail from Gaza, Palestine, a city marked by strife and ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges posed by the siege and frequent wars, I am grateful for my birthplace. Why am I thankful? Does one find contentment amidst hardship? Would anyone be satisfied living in isolation? Yes, I am content.

I have a story to share, one that has inspired me to persevere and forge ahead in life. When I was just ten years old, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. Doubts plagued my mind, making me believe that something was inherently wrong with me, and hindering my ability to connect with others. This feeling persisted until I reached the age of 18. Despite excelling academically in my early years, my performance began to decline in high school. It was then that I realized the need to take life more seriously. As I entered high school, my inner struggles surfaced – the fear of facing challenges, particularly academic tests. My life took a downward turn during this period, leaving me wondering about my future path.

I graduated from high school with a less-than-ideal grade, which wasn’t surprising given the challenging phase I was going through – one of self-exploration and confronting inner struggles. This period interrupted my studies, leaving me at a crossroads in life, a stage I never wanted to face.

Feeling lost and confused, I had several options ahead of me. The first was pursuing a career as a volleyball player, considering my proficiency in the sport. The second was joining my father’s company, the easiest path to financial stability. The third option involved continuing my education and venturing into an unfamiliar field.

Choosing my future path proved to be the toughest decision yet. While friends suggested working with my father for financial security, I harbored dreams beyond that. Playing volleyball and exploring unknown territories appealed to me more. After much contemplation, I opted to pursue university studies while continuing with volleyball, aiming to find clarity and purpose along the way. And so, my journey begins.

I enrolled in university to study information technology while also pursuing volleyball, unsure of my direction but determined to excel. Despite achieving excellent grades in the first semester, I still felt lost. Joining the Palestine national team and a top volleyball club marked significant progress, yet uncertainty about my aspirations lingered. As the second semester commenced, I approached it with renewed hope, hoping to discover my path in life. However, the first day of school proved pivotal, serving as a defining moment for my future.

A few days into the second semester of university, during my third volleyball practice with the Palestine national team, my coach noticed something unusual. He observed that I easily grew tired and struggled to breathe comfortably, a sensation I had never paid much attention to in my 18 years. Despite his concern, I brushed it off and continued with the practice. However, upon returning home, I experienced a sudden and uncontrollable nosebleed. The bleeding persisted relentlessly, resembling an erupting volcano. I Rushed to the hospital, it took two hours of intensive efforts to stem the bleeding using clotting agents administered through anesthetics. Concerned by the doctor’s severity of the bleeding, the doctor recommended further tests, including an ECG examination. This unexpected turn of events marked a significant moment in my life, providing a crucial step toward answering a lingering question that had plagued me for five years.

During a routine checkup, the doctor discovered a concerning issue with my heart. My heartbeat was unusually fast and irregular, even while I was resting. Suspecting a heart problem, he referred me to a specialized heart hospital for further investigation.

The next day, at the heart hospital, the seriousness of the situation became clear. Five cardiologists gathered around an echo machine, their expressions filled with surprise as they examined my heart’s internal image. The tension in the room was palpable, and my own heart began to race with a new fear.

Following the examination, the doctors revealed a difficult truth. I had a serious heart condition, a birth defect I had unknowingly lived with for 18 years. They explained the problem using a simple analogy: the valve responsible for sending blood throughout my body was malfunctioning. Imagine this valve as the Mercedes logo; it should open to allow blood flow and then close tightly to prevent blood from returning to the heart. However, in my case, the valve was severely narrowed and remained constantly open. This explained the difficulty my heart faced in pumping blood efficiently and receiving the returning blood flow.

Struggling with shock and confusion, questions swirled in my mind. Why me? How could this have gone unnoticed for so long?

Determined to find the best possible care, the doctors sent my test results to the leading heart hospital in Tel Aviv, known for its world-class cardiologists. A week later, I found myself on a bus, my heart pounding (not in a good way this time), on my way to Tel Aviv for the next chapter of this unexpected journey.

Having received the initial diagnosis in Gaza, I arrived at the Tel Aviv hospital with a mix of emotions shock, surprise, and a spark of hope. The medical team, similar to the one in Gaza, consisted primarily of American and Israeli doctors.

As they gathered around the echo machine to examine my heart, a specific moment stood out. Dr. Tameer’s words etched themselves into my memory: “You are a medical marvel. Considering your condition, it’s a miracle you haven’t fainted or even died in 18 years, especially with your active lifestyle. Just walking or climbing stairs could have triggered a heart stoppage.”

Despite the gravity of these words, a comforting feeling washed over me – “I’m not alone. God has been with me every step of the way.” At that moment, hope began to blossom within me. It felt as if a message was being sent, urging me to face the challenges ahead with a courageous heart, and never give up.

Following the diagnosis in Tel Aviv, the doctors assured me surgery could correct the heart problem and restore my health. The surgery date arrived a week later, a grueling 10-hour procedure. Despite the lengthy duration, I wasn’t afraid. This surgery felt like a turning point, a chance for something beautiful to emerge.

On the day of surgery, the doctor arrived at 6 am, instructing me to prepare for a 7 am start. He mentioned handcuffs would be used post-surgery to prevent panicked self-removal of medical equipment.

Entering the operating room felt surreal, yet strangely peaceful. The anesthesiologist confirmed my readiness, and with confidence and hope, I consented to anesthesia. Within seconds, I slipped into a coma.

Awakening at precisely 7 pm on Friday evening marked the real miracle. I calmly requested the doctor remove the handcuffs, assuring him of my awareness and composure. The change within me was profound. My mind and heart felt completely renewed. Self-understanding bloomed; I knew what I wanted as if the surgery had cleared a mental fog. Complex problems felt solvable with newfound ease. Overcome with emotion, I burst into tears. The world fell within my grasp, emotions clear and understandable. Who wouldn’t welcome such a miracle, even through open-heart surgery? I did.

Following surgery, I was moved to the patient ward for monitoring. However, I wasn’t just a patient. I actively helped others, translating for foreign patients and assisting with activities in the children’s playroom.

My recovery surprised everyone. Within two weeks, I was ready to leave the hospital. The doctor remarked that I was the fastest-healing patient in the hospital’s history. Others with similar conditions took months to recover due to neglecting their health. My exceptional recovery, the doctor concluded, stemmed from my strong will to live and my eagerness to resume my life. With confidence, I confirmed his observation – “Yes.”

Returning to Gaza, I was brimming with a zest for life. I completed my university studies, rejoined the volleyball team, and felt a surge of renewed health and determination.

The illness, a life-altering event, became a valuable teacher. It instilled in me the importance of slowing down and appreciating simplicity. I learned that true fulfillment comes naturally, not through haste. The experience also fostered self-discovery. I recognized my affinity for genuine experiences, increasingly rare in a world saturated with artificiality. Most importantly, it served as a powerful reminder to persevere in the face of challenges.

Embracing a measured approach to life, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery without undue pressure. Web development became my initial career choice, offering financial security while not aligning with my long-term aspirations.

In my fourth year of university, a chance encounter with an optional data science course sparked a fire within me. The professor’s lecture resonated deeply, stirring a sense of “this is it!” Unlike traditional, fast-paced courses, data science demanded dedicated time, a quality that deterred most students. However, this very aspect aligned perfectly with my newfound appreciation for patience and perseverance.

Consuming online videos well into the night, I delved deeper into the field, driven by a newfound passion. Finding myself in data science wasn’t a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of years of introspection, observation, and unwavering commitment.

I sought guidance from the professor, who confirmed the field’s infancy in Gaza, with only a handful of practitioners. He emphasized the substantial time commitment required, a stark contrast to the quick-fix solutions favored by most students. Undeterred by the challenges – limited local resources and career opportunities – I embraced the need to build an online presence to connect with global prospects.

Armed with a roadmap from the professor, I embarked on my data science journey, meticulously navigating the obstacles. I meticulously built my online network, laying the foundation for a future in my chosen field.

My passion lies in solving real-world problems and uncovering the inherent value within them. This drive naturally led me to data science, a field that mirrors these very principles.

A friend invited me to a self-discovery workshop where participants shared personal stories to inspire and guide others. The facilitator opened the session with a quote by Imam Ali bin Abi Talib: “Your abilities define you.” The focus was on heartfelt confessions about activities that brought a sense of accomplishment. Participants spoke of their love for dance, animals, and various pursuits.

When it was my turn, I confessed my love for challenges, new experiences, and volleyball. However, a more profound truth emerged: I wasn’t drawn to data science for its rarity or difficulty. It resonated with something deeper – a sense of internal fulfillment. In data science, I found a perfect confluence of my personal values and professional aspirations.

Following a lengthy period of independent learning and volunteering with international organizations to develop data science projects, I secured a remote data science position with a Canadian company. This success stemmed from a sustained effort to build connections on LinkedIn. Simultaneously, I was offered a position with the United Nations, the sole organization in Gaza generating massive datasets requiring data science expertise.

My decision to work with the Canadian company was driven by my long-term goal of relocating to Canada, a country recognized for its fertile ground in the field of data science.

My initial excitement about the Canadian data science role was abruptly cut short. On October 7th, 2023, war erupted in Gaza, severing internet and electricity access throughout the city. This forced a complete halt to my work and that of my team. Hope for a swift resolution faded as the war dragged on.

The escalating conflict intensified with displacement from our homes. The constant violence placed our lives in constant jeopardy. After three grueling months, with no end in sight, I felt an urgency to contribute my skills. While actively involved in aid distribution, a desire to utilize my data science expertise in the war zone grew stronger.

Taking my laptop, I ventured to the headquarters of international organizations in southern Gaza. Offering my data science services, I secured a volunteer position. Immediately, I began analyzing data on children’s diseases within displacement camps. Additionally, I undertook the crucial task of analyzing war-inflicted damages within the health sector.

Despite the immense hardships – war-induced fatigue, the loss of friends, and the constant threat of violence – my determination to make a difference remained unwavering. After three months of volunteering with international organizations, I made the agonizing decision to flee Gaza to Egypt with my parents. This difficult choice was driven by a singular goal: to pursue a promising future in data science.

An incredible opportunity awaited me – a chance to collaborate with a Harvard graduate on a significant data science and artificial intelligence project. I was determined not to let this escape my grasp.

Now settled in Egypt, I face new challenges, but my resolve to address war-induced problems persists. With an estimated 200,000 unemployed Palestinian professionals in Egypt, I see immense potential for positive change. Recognizing their valuable skills, I partnered with my Canadian company to create a bridge between these individuals and the job market, facilitating new job opportunities and aiding in their efforts to rebuild their lives.

This journey has instilled in me the importance of patience and resilience in the face of adversity. It has served as a constant reminder of the power of helping others, even in small ways. “Your Abilities Define You” – this is the title I choose for my story. It reflects my belief that each individual has the potential to make a positive impact, provided they harness their unique skills and commit to enacting change.

Thank you for reading my story ❤️

️Made with❤️️in 🇵🇸

Abdelrahman Alarqan