I am a third-year dental student from Gaza, currently studying at the University of Palestine. Despite the devastating and unstable conditions caused by ongoing war and conflict, I have remained committed to my education and to the dream I’ve held since childhood: becoming a dentist who serves their community with both skill and compassion.

Living and studying in Gaza means that every achievement comes with tremendous sacrifice. Electricity outages, limited access to medical resources, and the constant threat of violence have made pursuing higher education an extraordinary challenge. Yet, I have chosen perseverance over despair. Throughout these hardships, I’ve learned that resilience is not only a necessity, but also a mindset. Even during periods of active conflict, I continued my studies and worked as a dental assistant, offering care to those who couldn’t afford to delay treatment. It was my way of showing up for my people, using what I had learned to relieve pain and restore dignity in any way I could.

My goal is to become a dentist who not only provides treatment but also contributes to long-term improvements in oral health and access to care in Gaza. I want to bring awareness to the importance of preventive dentistry in underserved communities and advocate for better healthcare infrastructure. I am especially interested in public health outreach, creating educational programs for youth and families about dental hygiene, and eventually opening a clinic that serves vulnerable populations, including displaced families.

What sets me apart is not just my academic dedication, but also my passion to grow and connect through service. I am deeply interested in opportunities such as volunteering programs, global health initiatives, and international youth exchanges—especially those that focus on healthcare, community building, and leadership. These experiences would allow me to gain broader clinical exposure, develop cross-cultural understanding, and bring back valuable knowledge and skills to my community.

Being a dental student in Gaza has taught me that healing is more than a clinical procedure—it’s about compassion, humanity, and hope. I am eager to continue learning, expanding my perspective, and becoming a professional who not only excels in dentistry but also uplifts those around me.

With the support of programs that open doors for students like me, I believe I can turn every obstacle I’ve faced into a tool for building a better future—not just for myself, but for the people of Gaza.

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Aya Idrees Mahmoud Hammad | Gaza, Palestine

Major: Dental Faculty