Haneen Mohanad Akhatib
As a Palestinian American female within the profession of Architecture, I navigate between two abundant cultures, both with distinctive architectural histories. My involvement in this sector is inspired by a strong passion for designing and a desire to make a positive impact on communities through sustainable design and culturally sensitive architecture. But finances are a really big issue in the way of my study, as is the case for many students. The generosity of donors can be transformational for my education and work in the future. As I grew up, the stories that buildings could tell — from the ancient stone ruins of Palestine to the skyscrapers of modern America — always captivated me. No one has seen more and listened to more history, culture, and human innovation than the architecture. This interest drew me to study architecture, in which creativity is used to combine design and function and result in places that are not only beautiful but also socially and environmentally sound. I am a student, and financial barrier is not a stranger to me. Books, supplies, room, and board are expensive. Financial aid is limited and is highly competitive. This is where the donors can help in a big way. Financial funding would allow more time to study and less time to think of how to pay for the upcoming semester or buy materials for the necessary work.
Additionally, to be a Palestinian American woman in architecture is a special and trying experience. Architecture is a male-dominated profession, and representation counts. I feel that by doing well in this "male" domain, I would get to be an example for other young women like me from the same kind of background to follow their dreams, although it seems impossible considering the social pressure and financial challenge of it all. The donor gifts would not just help me complete college, they would let me be a role model and change advocate in the industry". With the relief from the financial stresses, I could use to its fullest, the rich environment of learning, the internship, workshops, practical skills, and global vision, which is significant in today's globalized world.
By way of example, working for a company focused on sustainable architecture through an internship would provide me with knowledge of the latest methods for designing homes and buildings in poor areas of operation. "Moreover, donor funds would allow me to research projects that incorporate traditional elements of Palestinian architecture in today's modern design. Such a blending could result in bringing together the traditional and the contemporary to offer creative solutions to traditional cultural heritage that cater to the contemporary needs of society. They can also serve to strengthen community identity and pride, especially in regions where conflict and displacement have occurred. To conclude, contributions from the donor to support my education in architecture would not only transform my life and career but also that of the entire society. And in funding my education, donors would be supporting a vision of Architecture that is sustainable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. Their donations would go into opening a future that would allow diverse voices to be seen and celebrated within the architectural Utopia, helping to contribute to a more equitable and symbiotic built environment.
