The Story of Ghareeba: From Questioning to Excellence
"The hardest thing is to talk about myself, but I will try..." With these words, Ghareeba began her story, recalling the journey of an ambitious young girl who paved her path through perseverance and excellence until she became an inspiring success story.
"I am a simple person, but I am ambitious. This ambition was not a coincidence or a sudden leap in my life; it was a seed planted by my mother since my childhood."
Her mother was the first to believe in her. She taught her how to write her name and numbers before she even started school. When Ghareeba embarked on her educational journey, her mother never compared her to others; instead, she constantly reminded her: "Be yourself. Never compare yourself to anyone else." These words shaped her into an independent, strong, and confident girl, passionate about growth and development.
Speaking about her mother, Ghareeba says: "My mother was a trainer and judge in the Creativity Olympiad, and she used to refer to talented students as ‘my daughters.’ This gave me a strong motivation to become one of those she would be proud of one day."
Ghareeba’s childhood was anything but ordinary. It was filled with questions—she explored, inquired, and analyzed everything around her. Her scientific curiosity led her to participate in enrichment programs, and at the age of twelve, she joined the mathematics and engineering track. There, she found herself in a world of numbers and logic. Laughing, she recalls her childhood: "I was so passionate about research and learning that I almost conducted a scientific study as a child!"
Her ambition was not limited to science; it extended to community work as well. Her journey began with the "Watan" campaign, which instilled in her the values of giving and responsibility. When the Ministry of Education launched a research competition, she chose the social track and presented a study on "The Role of Non-Profit Organizations in Supporting Youth to Build the Nation." She won fourth place.
During high school, Ghareeba learned about the "Rashed Al Rashed Award for Talent and Creativity." Initially, she lacked the confidence to participate, but a friend encouraged her to apply. After some hesitation, she decided to take the leap, and that step marked a major turning point in her life.
Her first-ever interview was a thrilling and exciting experience, leaving her with a strong feeling that she was on the verge of a new phase in life. After being accepted, she found herself in a different world filled with challenges and opportunities. It was not just a competition but a journey of skill refinement and self-discovery.
Upon entering university, she constantly asked herself, "Where do I see myself in ten years?" She did not envision herself in a conventional role but rather as a leader making decisions and influencing change. That’s why she chose a field of study that she believed would enable her to make an impact.
Her passion for learning was not just academic; she sought to specialize in a precise area and eventually found herself drawn to financial markets. Despite its complexity, it intrigued her and pushed her to delve deeper.
During her cooperative training, Ghareeba participated in a commercial arbitration competition. Though arbitration was not initially her main interest, she gradually became more engaged. In one of the sessions, she stood up to plead for the first time, delivering an outstanding performance. After the session, the head of the committee told her: "You will be an excellent advocate. If the judiciary were open to women, you would have been an outstanding judge." That moment was a testament to her journey of learning and perseverance.
The Abdul Monem Al Rashed Humanitarian Foundation played a significant role in supporting her career, even nominating her for the Best Litigator Award.
Despite facing many challenges, Ghareeba viewed them only as opportunities to refine her character and prove her worth. With God's grace, she graduated from university equipped with experience, a degree, and the skills needed to stand out.
Today, Ghareeba continues to pursue her ambitions in her professional career. She joined the Young Leaders Program in collaboration with the Misk Foundation and won the award for Best Project.
Reflecting on her journey, Ghareeba concludes:
"I believe that a person must strive toward their dreams and ambitions," quoting the Quran:
"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." (Surah An-Najm: 39)
Ghareeba is an inspiration to anyone pursuing their dreams, proving that every hardworking individual will be rewarded, and every ambitious person has a path to follow until they reach their ultimate goal.
