I’m Nassim Sabti; I’m 17 years old and in 11th grade. I am currently living in Reyhanli, Turkiye, with my family. I’m originally from Homs, Syria; my life took a drastic turn at the age of seven when the Syrian conflict forced me and my family to flee. 

A Journey of Resilience

One night in Homs, we were awoken by the deafening noise of a rocket hitting our neighbor’s house. We were so scared and couldn’t go back to sleep that night; we didn’t know if another one was going to hit us. That was the moment my mother decided it was time to leave Syria. With only my mother and five sisters, we headed north, eventually crossing the border into Turkiye, leaving behind a home. Despite the hardship, my dream of becoming an ophthalmologist or engineer in the future was one of the few things I took with me from Homs.

When I first arrived in Turkiye, we were enrolled in a Turkish school. There was a language barrier to begin with, and to make things even more difficult; I faced discrimination just for being Syrian. Teachers yelled at me; students pulled my hijab. Even basic needs like going to the bathroom were denied, with threats to give me a bad grade if I dared. One day, my urgency outweighed the fear of consequences, and I stood up for myself. Frustrated with the mistreatment, my uncle made the decision to transfer us to Al Qaria School, a haven for Syrian girls.

Discovering Karam House

I learned about Karam House from my uncle, and with the desire to learn, connect with people, and adjust to life in Turkiye, we joined the Karam Families program. As soon as I was eligible, I eagerly became a part of Karam Studios at the age of 13. Over four transformative years, Karam House has become not just a learning space but a second home, providing me with a supportive community and a platform to explore my passions.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Navigating a new language presented its challenges, but my uncle recognized its importance. Enrolling in a Turkish institute, I gradually mastered the language, opening doors to better integration.

Family and Culinary Skills

I lost my father to the war when I was six years old, and my mother passed away about five years ago. Now, I live with my grandmother, my five sisters, and two uncles, including my uncle Hamza, who has been our anchor. A moment of pride for me was stepping up to cook for the family when my grandmother fell ill. Cooking, a newfound hobby, allowed me to express my determination through dishes like Kabseh and cake.

Deep Sea Bots and Innovation

My favorite studio at Karam House, “Deep Sea Bots,” became a turning point in my journey. Collaborating with my studio partner, Mohamad Ghandoura, we created “Creeto the Savior,” a robot inspired by the pufferfish designed to rescue people during natural disasters. The challenging brainstorming process ignited my dedication and unleashed my creativity.

Karam House: A Safe Haven

My journey at Karam House goes beyond learning skills; it’s about finding a safe haven. The supportive environment, dedicated mentors, and inspiring team at Karam House have reshaped my life.

To those facing challenges, I say, be strong, be confident, know your goals, and pursue them relentlessly. Karam House changed my life. From computer skills to Arabic development, Karam House has been the catalyst for my personal and academic growth.

As I approach graduation in 2024, my mission is to carry the spirit of Karam House with me, sharing the remarkable impact it had on my life and inspiring others to overcome challenges with strength and determination.