Bassem Zreiqat’s Life Transformed by ASAI Support
Basem Zreiqat
I attended high school in Amman and graduated in 1979. I attained a 90.6 average in the government national high school exams (Al-Tawjeehi). I knew it would be difficult for me to apply to universities overseas as my family could not afford it. I wanted to study computer science as I was fascinated with the relatively new technology at that time, as the use of computers was increasing rapidly. One day that summer a friend of mine told me about ASAI and asked me if I would like to go with him to apply for a student loan. At the time we met with Mr. Issam Zawawi who was the ASAI rep in Amman. Mr. Zawawi was very welcoming and explained the acceptance conditions. We both applied and a couple of months later I was notified that I got accepted to study at Monmouth University in NJ, USA, for a Computer Science degree. I was over the moon and started preparations to go to USA as the school was due to start in late January 1980. I want to take this opportunity to give credit to Mr. Zawawi who helped me to complete the application and kept in touch with me until the acceptance was received. Without Mr. Zawawi’s assistance and direction I would not have had the opportunity to complete my higher education.
I started my studies at Monmouth University in Jan 1980. Shortly after I started, I contacted ASAI to inform them of my status. ASAI assisted me in the first year with Tuition and Board. Subsequent years it was only tuition. I was lucky enough to have had the chance to meet with Mr. Joseph Qutub, ASAI president at the ASAI headquarters in Fanwood, NJ during the first semester after he invited me to go and meet him. Mr. Qutob met me at the train station and took me to a McDonalds restaurant for lunch. I saw in him the caring father figure and a genuine care and interest in my wellbeing and education. While we were having lunch and chatting about ASAI, he pointed at the guy who served us our lunch and said to me, “You see that guy over there to which I said yes. He said to me “that is my son”. He explained to me that he took me to that restaurant to teach me that working in America is something that most students do to earn extra pocket money while studying and it is not something to be ashamed of. I went back after my meeting feeling encouraged and motivated to complete my 4-year degree to prove to Mr. Qutub, my family, and myself, that I am going to rise to the challenge and work very hard to get my degree.
I graduated in Jun1984 and received my BS Degree in Computer Science. I invited Mr. Qutub to my graduation ceremony, unfortunately Mr. Qutub was not able to attend as he had a prior travel commitment and sincerely congratulated me and wished me a bright future ahead. I returned to Jordan and worked with a couple of information technology companies before Joining the IT department with Royal Jordanian Airlines where I stayed until I migrated to Australia in 1990.
In Australia I started working 2 weeks after arrival with an international financial institution where I started as a programmer, and moved to a project manager role, then an Assistant Vice President and IT lead for the Asia Pacific region. The duration of my employment was almost 30 years. In early 2021 I received my redundancy package and took a break during COVID,
I need to continue working to keep active and do something that I am passionate about, which is the aviation industry. I was lucky enough to land a Customer Service Agent role with Qantas – the regional domestic service team where I am currently employed as a permanent part-time employee. This is my retirement job, and I am having a lot of fun with a great team and exciting environment.
Having acquired the Student Loan from ASAI back in 1979 was a turning point in my life. I could not obtain my degree and subsequently advanced my professional career without being given the opportunity to complete my higher education. Many doors were opened for me which helped me advance in my professional and personal development. There are no words that can describe how grateful I am. I will forever be indebted to ASAI.
I am proud to be affiliated with such a reputable organization whose main goal is to help Arab students. Thank you ASAI, thank you to the leadership team, the volunteers, administrators, and everyone who is keeping it going.
