When I first saw a post about Karam House on Instagram, I was sitting in my room, scrolling mindlessly, not expecting to find the very thing that would change my life. But there it was— a post showing kids building robots, laughing together, and having a good time. I paused, stared at the screen, and felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope.
I didn’t think I’d actually be able to join in. Opportunities like this always felt so far out of reach for someone like me. But I clicked the link, filled out the application, and told myself, Why not? To my surprise, a few weeks later, I got the email: I was in! My friends Bara’a, Hiba, and I had all been given the chance to be part of something extraordinary.
Walking into Karam House for the first time was like stepping into a completely different world. The space was alive with creativity, laughter, and collaboration. I was directed to join the Social Robots group. I walked over, excited but nervous all at once. My hands trembled as I introduced myself to my team.
Before Karam House, I would have avoided group projects entirely, staying quiet in the back of the room. But here, something was different. Right as I said hello, the others shifted to make space for me, their faces open and inviting. Someone asked for my thoughts, and though my heart pounded, I hesitantly shared an idea. They nodded, encouraging me to keep going.
As we started building the robot together, I found myself speaking up more, laughing along with the group when things didn’t go as planned. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to be perfect to fit in—I just had to show up.
Through studios about programming and photography, I learned about my interests and what I’m passionate about. I’d heard of programming before but never thought it would be something I’d enjoy. I got the chance to try it out, and I realized it’s something I could see myself doing in the future. Now, I’m considering studying programming at university—something I never thought was possible.
Karam House didn’t just teach me new skills; it taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s just another step in the journey. When an idea didn’t work in studios, the mentors encouraged me to try again, to look for another way forward. They helped me see that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and that mindset has transformed everything for me.
When I think about the person I was before Karam House and the person I am today, the difference is staggering. I’ve gone from being shy and unsure to confident and hopeful. I’ve learned to speak my mind, embrace my ideas, and dream boldly about the future.
Looking back as a graduate, I feel a deep gratitude for Karam House. It’s so much more than a space—it’s a home where young people like me can transform fear into courage, hesitation into determination, and dreams into reality.
And now, with everything I’ve learned and experienced, I’m ready to face whatever comes next.
