For the first time in 10 years, I embarked on a remarkable journey that took me thousands of miles away from the familiar borders of the United States. My chosen destinations were Istanbul and Reyhanli, Turkiye, to witness the incredible work at Karam Houses and connect with the resilient refugee youth who only know me through a screen. 

My decision to make this journey wasn’t an easy one. Having not left the United States for ten years since I moved from Syria and due to my immigration status, the thought of boarding a 10-hour plane ride, navigating the unfamiliar road and language, and leaving a place I adopted as a home was daunting. However, the call to be part of something larger, to meet Karam House students, to interview them, learn from them, and support their journeys, outweighed any hesitation. 

The minute I stepped into Istanbul International Airport, my eyes filled with tears, my heart pounded in fear, and I was left speechless, searching strangers’ faces for something familiar. But as soon as I went outside, Istanbul welcomed me with open arms. 

My time at Karam House was nothing short of extraordinary. As I walked through the doors of this innovative space, it looked familiar, as if I had been here before. Little by little, the refugee youth started arriving for graduation day with their caps and gowns, filling the space with chatter, laughter, and a hint of joyful chaos. 

I recognized faces I had seen through photos and videos. Faces that had grown into young adults, ready to take on another journey. Their excitement for graduation made me forget the tiredness of long travels and lack of sleep. 

After spending two days in Istanbul, I packed my bags again. I took on another journey to Reyhanli alongside Karam’s CEO, Lina, the director of communications, Rama, and Chief Strategy Officer, Demetri. We flew from Istanbul to Adana, then took a three-hour- car ride from Adana to Reyhanli. 

As soon as I walked through the door of Karam House, I was greeted by the beaming faces of young Syrians who had fled unimaginable hardships, fought hard, and learned so much to get where they are today.

Due to my limited time in Turkiye, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with the students, so I packed my calendar with interviews. Listening to their stories was a humbling experience. They shared tales of their difficult journeys from Syria to Turkiye, discussing their dreams of returning to a moment where they can live their childhoods, and spoke of their parents’ sacrifices to get here. But despite it all, their spirits remained unbroken, and their determination to build a better life for themselves and their families was unwavering.

My conversations with these refugee youth went beyond mere interviews; they were a profound exchange of human experiences. They spoke of their dreams, aspirations, and Karam House’s role in shaping their futures. With its innovative program in technology, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, Karam House had become a home where these young minds could harness their potential, acquire new skills, be themselves, and find a community of support. 

About the Author: 
Nour Al Ghraowi is Karam’s Communication Coordinator, she’s also a poet and writer. Nour believes in the power of words. Since leaving Syria, Nour has been finding home in the work she does to help others. While home and family are thousands of miles away, the power of words are not just important in her professional life, but also personal, as that’s the only constant in between oceans.