Meet Tomorrow’s Youth: Shahd

Shahd Sayyed, 18, from Nablus, is a current volunteer in the Boys and Girls Soccer Club at TYO. Shahd is a current student at An-Najah University in Nablus and this is her first session as a volunteer at TYO.

What has been your favorite memory at TYO? 

Once during soccer class, it was a very hot day and the girls started spraying water on me and for fun, I decided to spray them back with water. We all ran after each other playing with the water. After I went home, I started laughing and remembering the joy and the sounds of laughter from the girls. Although we didn’t do much soccer that day, the time I spent with the girls, and building on our relationship was more precious and important.

Why is volunteering important and why did you decide to volunteer?

Volunteering in my perspective is a joy because when I feel that I am helping others - especially children who need love and caring - I feel valuable. Also through volunteering, skills are developed and I learn how to better deal with children.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Palestinian youth?

Young people in Palestine suffer from life under occupation. It puts obstacles in front of us. Young people can't travel to learn, use other resources freely or export material to invest. The occupation makes our lives difficult.

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

I study Industrial Engineering and I hope after I graduate, to finish my Masters and receive my ISO Certification.

How do you think what you’ve learned at TYO will benefit you in the long run?

TYO helps me acquire skills on how to deal with children and respect them so. This will be of great benefit for my future children. Also working side-by-side with the American interns helps me understand the other side of the world and other cultures so that when I have the chance to travel to finish my MA, I will be ready to accept the new community with its culture.

This interview was translated by TYO's Outreach Coordinator, Futoon Qadri.