"My journey began with the activities of the Mawhiba Program, affiliated with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, and later continued through the activities of the Deanship of Student Affairs at the University of Tabuk.
There came a time when fate stood between me and the academic major I had always dreamed of pursuing, leading me instead to study Business Administration at the University of Tabuk. Isn't it painful when we are unable to achieve our dreams?
Yet I carried that dream quietly within my heart and continued forward, just as life had always known me—curious, sociable, and resilient.
During one of my Foundation Year lectures, Dr. Wiam, Vice Dean for Female Student Affairs, spoke about a leadership program that had opened its doors to participants and encouraged me to apply. At the time, I was only eighteen years old, which prevented me from registering because I did not meet one of the eligibility requirements.
Instead, she advised me to follow the Deanship of Student Affairs on social media so I would be ready whenever another opportunity appeared.
At the same time, my parents constantly encouraged me to participate in university activities, continuing the path I had begun through the Mawhiba Program.
Then, one beautiful day, I came across an announcement posted by the Content Management Department within Student Activities. They were looking for a presenter for one of the University's podcast programs.
What an opportunity! Public speaking had always been one of my strengths. I loved writing, reading, and philosophy, so I immediately applied—without realizing that this single decision would completely reshape my university journey. A few days later, the audition day arrived, and I was fully prepared.
Waiting on the panel were Dr. Mohammed Daouri, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Wiam Al-Harbi, Vice Dean for Female Student Affairs; Nada Al-Shahrani, Human Resources Operations Manager; Rivan Al-Balawi, Human Resources Development Officer; along with a distinguished group of students.
Then came the surprise. Rather than asking me to speak about the topic I had prepared, the Dean requested that I speak on an entirely different subject, placing me in a genuine test of my abilities. Fortunately, public speaking was where I felt most confident. I spoke fluently and passionately until he finally interrupted me with a smile, saying, "That's enough. Thank you—you've done well."
I left the interview convinced that, God willing, I would become the University's next podcast presenter. A few days later, however, I received a message that read: "Congratulations! You have been nominated to join the Human Resources Development Team within Student Activities." I paused. Wasn't I supposed to become the podcast host?
The response was simple: "Because of your outstanding performance during the interview, you have been selected for this team." Without hesitation, I accepted. That decision marked the beginning of a journey that filled my university years with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences, beginning in March 2024. From then on, I worked alongside an exceptional group of students as we established the first Human Resources Development Team within the Deanship of Student Affairs. Together, we organized numerous initiatives, programs, and activities, making this my first chapter within the Student Activities Administration. I also became the writer behind Student Activities Saturdays, a goal I had long hoped to achieve—and by the grace of God, I finally did."
As time passed, my journey became closely associated with one of the university's most remarkable events: the 2025 Founding Day Celebration, "Desert Narratives." Together with my colleagues, I spent an entire year planning and developing the event, followed by six months of implementation. By the grace of God and through the dedication and collaboration of an exceptional team, it became one of the university's most successful and memorable events. Since I am also an aspiring astrophotographer, I was entrusted by the Deanship of Student Affairs with leading the University's World Space Week 2025 team following an official letter from the Saudi Space Agency, inviting the University of Tabuk to become one of its partners in activating the international celebration. Receiving this responsibility was a recognition of my passion and persistence in creating initiatives related to astronomy and space science.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my university journey came during the recent visit of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Benyan, to the university. While meeting with a select group of students representing the student activities ecosystem—alongside the university president, vice presidents, and deans—he praised my enthusiasm and performance, asking with a smile, "What will the university do once you graduate?" Hearing those words from such a distinguished national leader was an unforgettable honor. Even today, they continue to fill my heart with joy. That successful visit became another proud milestone for both our student activities community and the university as a whole. My regular, on-campus journey with Student Activities officially concluded on 18 January 2026, at the beginning of a very special week.
During the fourth edition of the BTC Inspirers Forum, I worked alongside the organizing team on this major annual event from the previous summer until its successful completion. It was the perfect way to conclude my experience leading Student Activities teams. Yet, while preparing for the forum—and in the midst of balancing responsibilities with my mid-year examinations—something completely unexpected happened. A prayer I had whispered one night was answered. I was selected for an internship at the Royal Commission for AlUla, through a recruitment initiative by the Commission in cooperation with the Internship Committee of the College of Business Administration, shortly before the BTC Forum began. As if that were not enough, another remarkable surprise followed.
After spending six months leading the BTC Inspirers Forum, I was selected as one of the Forum's Inspirers, having fulfilled its inspiration criteria, where I had the privilege of inspiring more than 400 students. Those six months transformed me from a capable leader into someone able to inspire others—a journey made possible first by the grace of God, and then by a student activities system that taught, refined, empowered, and believed in its students, giving them the confidence to succeed. Throughout this experience, I came to realize that true empowerment is not simply about being given opportunities; it is about being trusted, challenged, and supported until you discover abilities you never knew you possessed.