DR MARIAM ALMASRI

My name is Mariam Almasri, and I recently graduated as a dentist from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. I was filled with joy and enthusiasm to begin my dental career and had hopes for a bright future. However, I faced a significant challenge: I had outstanding fees that needed to be paid before I could receive my degree certificate. Despite this, my father and I had a plan to manage these payments, and I eagerly started my internship year.

Unfortunately, our happiness was short-lived. The war has ravaged Gaza, destroying the clinics and hospitals where I was completing my internship. My life quickly turned into a struggle for survival, with basic necessities like food and water becoming scarce. Additionally, my father lost his business, which meant we could no longer afford to pay the university fees for my certificate.

Determined to continue my education and career, my family has made great sacrifices to help me leave Gaza. I moved to Egypt and resumed my internship at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Now, two months into my internship, I am grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward, despite the ongoing difficulties.

My dream is to complete my internship and then move to Germany to obtain a licence to practise there. During this time, I also plan to pursue a master’s degree in Aesthetic Dentistry, a field I am passionate about. I aspire to become a professional aesthetic dentist, dedicated to enhancing smiles and improving lives.

Throughout my studies, I immersed myself in learning, not just from books, but through hands-on experience at a local dental clinic. I spent countless hours there, treating patients and gaining invaluable practical skills. The joy and relief I saw in their eyes after each session were my greatest rewards. My humility and dedication earned me the love and respect of everyone around me.

But then, the unimaginable happened—the outbreak of war. Overnight, life as I knew it was shattered. The lively streets, once filled with laughter, were reduced to rubble and fear. Clinics and hospitals shut down, and access to healthcare became nearly impossible.

I, who had envisioned a future of service and compassion, suddenly faced a grim reality. My dreams were buried under the ruins of war. I could no longer continue my studies, work in the clinic, or complete my internship year in Gaza.

The most daunting obstacle threatening my future as a dentist is my inability to obtain my university degree from Al-Azhar University. The dire economic circumstances of my family, still trapped in the war zone, have made it impossible to pay for my degree. The situation has only worsened after the war, making it nearly impossible to secure my certificate. This jeopardizes my future and prevents me from following my passion.

I am reaching out, heart in hand, hoping for assistance to obtain my university degree. This degree is not just a piece of paper; it is the key to my future, the gateway to my dreams. With your support, I can overcome these immense challenges and continue my journey to help others through dentistry. My dreams are still alive, waiting for the chance to shine once more.