In our very first issue of Journey Magazine, we talked about Suad Al Saman, a Karam Leader. Suad spoke about her journey from Syria, all the stops she made with her family, and how she was always “The new girl” at school. So where is Suad today? 

About a year and a half ago, Suad and her family packed their bags and moved From Turkey to The Netherlands. “This time, I promised myself not to be in a bubble, to go out and make friends, and learn the language and culture. I made this possible by making an effort. Now I have a group of amazing friends consisting of seven people from all over the world.”

Currently, Suad speaks four languages: Arabic, English, Dutch, and Turkish. Leaving nothing to challenge her in the newly adopted communities. 

Suaad joined Karam in 2017 completing 13 studios. After leaving Karam House and settling in The Netherlands, she found a community space similar to Karam House, Vrolijkheid, where different workshops including film and music take place. Finding out Suad’s skills and experience, the center hired her as a Workshop Leader. “It’s all thanks to the skills I learned at Karam House, such as brainstorming, researching, and thinking outside the box. People were impressed with all of this knowledge.” Suad said that her being a leader at Karam Cast, a podcast that was started by Karam House students helped her be the best leader she could be at the center. 

Suad is finishing her last year of language learning then she will be heading to college. Suad wants to study business. 

When we asked her about what she misses the most about Karam House, she said the safe space allowed her to learn, grow, and create. 

Belonging to Suad isn’t belonging to a place, but to smaller things. “I belong to my couch in Turkey, my grandmother’s farm in Syria, and now I belong to the candles and lights in my new room.” 

One piece of advice she would give to youth her age is don’t waste your time. Take courses, learn new things, and experience something fresh. Only then will you will be sure of what you want in life, what you want to study, and who you want to become. Gain as many skills as possible.

As a way of giving back to her new community, Suad has been teaching what she has learned at Karam House to spread the generosity that Karam has given her.