"I grew up to be a people’s person, pretty sociable, and that helps a lot in a major like hospitality and tourism"

“Since I was very young, I remember I used to find hotels a very pleasant place to be in. I used to imagine myself living permanently in a hotel, where beds are very comfortable, facilities are available, nice music is playing every time you walk in to the lobby, and everybody is happy and smiling. Constant traveling and cozy sleeping were my ultimate example of a Life!

In my last year of high school, I felt sure of my choice of this major: I was curious to learn how hotels function, wanted to get into the world of tourism, and again, I could totally picture myself working in such nice environments.

My choice for the University of Balamand was pretty clear, since the program was reputable, and it was close to home. Although the department was relatively new at the time, it had high standards in schooling, and was well equipped for practice. The curriculum was broad enough to cover a variety of courses, all yet related to the major. Visiting the university also made me feel that I could fit in and have an exciting campus life.

I’m glad I learnt the ins and outs of hotels, especially during my internships in renowned hotels, but I started having an inclination towards tourism. I graduated and did a Research Master’s degree in Tourism and Cultural Management in Beirut, where I got to live and experience its cultural scene.

I worked as an Educational Tour Guide while I was studying, moved back to Tripoli to work in a cultural center as an Associate Cultural Officer. A few months later, I moved to Doha (Qatar) to work at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art as a Visitor Services Specialist. All the hospitality skills I acquired from Balamand came in handy.

I have recently transferred to the Research Department, where I’m working on an encyclopedia project for modern art in the Arab world.

The path is great so far! I do not regret any of the choices I took: They lead me to where I am now, and I hope that the best is yet to come!”