Reflection and Personal Story After the Session
Dear United Leaders Global Team,
I hope this message finds you well.
I wanted to sincerely thank you for the incredible session. Nick’s story was truly inspiring — it highlighted so many aspects of resilience, success, and how challenges can be transformed into opportunities. His journey gave me hope and reminded me that dreams can still be pursued, even in the face of adversity.
I would like to take this opportunity to share a bit of my own story.
My name is Sajeda Abuzaid. I am from Jordan, but I do not hold Jordanian nationality; I am Palestinian. My grandparents were displaced from Gaza in 1967 due to the war and moved to Jordan. My parents were both born in Jordan — my father in 1970 and my mother in 1971. They married in Jordan in 1993, and I was born here in 1996.
Despite our long history in Jordan, I still do not have Jordanian citizenship. I have lived my entire life here — received my education, built relationships, and contributed to society — but without nationality, I face severe restrictions. I do not have the right to work in hospitals or academic institutions, nor can I pursue a PhD, which has always been a dream of mine. I lack access to basic human rights such as fair employment, education opportunities, and healthcare.
This situation has caused me a lot of pain and discouragement. Over the past two weeks, I have struggled deeply with depression. I feel stuck — full of ambition and energy, but held back by circumstances beyond my control. I am someone who dreams big and is determined to chase those dreams, but I cannot do it alone.
Nick’s story reminded me that even the most difficult barriers can be overcome with support, perseverance, and belief. I am reaching out today because I need help — whether emotional, financial, or simply a guiding hand — to keep moving forward.
Thank you again for the inspiring session and for creating a space where stories like Nick’s, and hopefully mine, can be shared.
Warm regards,
Sajeda Abuzaid
Jordan