Sitting among my peers in Europe—currently in Croatia, soon to be in Lithuania, and then Belgium—I am constantly reminded of the magic that happens when cultures meet. Pursuing our Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship and Technology, we come from different corners of the world, each carrying stories that reflect our identities. For me, coming from Palestine, where life has always been marked by resilience and hope, this journey feels like reconnecting with a cherished memory from childhood.
I remember growing up in a building filled with other children from the UK, the US, Algeria, and Syria. We didn’t share a common language, but that didn’t matter. We communicated through laughter, games, and smiles—the kind of joy that way behind words. For a while, we created a little world where we belonged together. But as the reality of war returned, I had to leave, believing I would come back to find my friends. When I did return, the building was empty; they had all gone back to their home countries as the situation worsened.
Now, 25 years later, I find myself surrounded by another group of people from all over the globe. We share stories and ideas, navigating our similarities and differences. I see a familiar sense of connection and understanding that bridges our backgrounds. In our classrooms and cafes, our conversations move from stories of personal struggles to celebrations of our cultures and special days.
I think of Quynh from Vietnam, the first time we met, once gave me a medal engraved with the figure of a Vietnamese woman riding her motorcycle and wearing a traditional hat. Her gift painted vivid pictures of life in Vietnam, the beauty, the resilience, and the history that continues despite hardships. Daniela from Honduras shared her passion for helping children learn English and the joy she feels seeing them thrive. Nardos from Ethiopia brings warmth to our discussions, sharing stories of her country’s rich traditions and urging us to see beyond the headlines to its true spirit.
Then there’s Heloisa from Brazil, whose eyes light up as she talks about the energy of Brazilian music, food, and celebrations. She also speaks candidly about the struggles within her community, revealing the deeper layers of her story. Abed’s tales of Egypt make us want to pack our bags and witness the wonders firsthand. Mina transports us to Iran with stories of hiking through mountains, celebrating the beauty of nature amidst challenges.
Daleska from Costa Rica and Isabel from Mexico bring empathy and depth to every conversation, tying our discussions together and reminding us of our shared humanity. Despite our different upbringings, there’s an unspoken bond that connects us—a recognition that, at our core, we share the same hopes and dreams.
As a Palestinian, I share the stories of my homeland—stories of olive trees, ancient history, and a community that finds ways to stay strong despite the hardships of daily life. These conversations remind us that while the media often highlights only the difficulties our countries face, there is so much more to discover: the laughter, the love, and the culture that define who we are, despite the differences we are all similar to one another.
When we gather, we don’t just share where we come from. We listen, learn, and build connections. We recognize that our goal is to make the world a better, more understanding place, where everyone feels proud of who they are. It’s a space where differences are celebrated as the very essence of what makes us human.
I have always believed that our differences are what make this world truly worth living. “We are made different so we can engage and get to know one another, not to be labeled or divided. we live that every day now through Impact Entrepreneurship. We celebrate the power of our varied stories, knowing that by understanding one another, we create a world where everyone belongs. Our differences are not barriers; they are the bridges that connect us, guiding us toward a future where we all strive for positive change and impact.
Dalia Al-Shareef
EMMIE Scholar from the 3rd Cohort
