My name is Sara. I am 22 years old, from Gaza, and a recent graduate of the English Literature department at the Faculty of Arts. I love reading, writing, and reflecting on the strength humans discover in the toughest circumstances.
This is my story of resilience, responsibility, and hope during a very difficult time while my mother was away.
The moment I said goodbye to my mother, my heart wanted to scream, “Stay with me!”
My eyes were full of tears, but I tried to stay strong. My mother held her travel bags, standing at the doorway, ready to leave for treatment in Egypt. Outside, the war had left signs of destruction, yet a soft sunlight hinted at hope.
I could feel the sadness in our home, but also a quiet joy in her eyes—a relief that she would survive and receive the care she needed. It was a mixture of heartbreak and hope, and I knew life would demand strength from me while she was away.
My father and sisters were my pillars of support. Sometimes my father cooked for me when I was overwhelmed with studying or exams. But the war was long and harsh. I cried often, from exhaustion, loneliness, and missing my mother.
Despite feeling like I had little achievement, my mother’s words reminded me of Allah’s wisdom: relief and compensation would come. Every small task—from cooking meals to submitting assignments despite obstacles—proved that I was stronger than I imagined.
Through faith, family support, and determination, I discovered my own resilience. This strength helped me graduate in my fourth year with a Second-Class Honors degree, a precious reward after a long season of struggle and endurance.
Today, I understand that war does not steal life from us—it teaches us how to live despite everything. I am no longer the girl who feared responsibility. I have become a woman who recognizes the strength within her—the strength my mother left behind.
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Sara Abu Tawahina is a 22-year-old English Literature graduate from Gaza and a writer who tells human stories shaped by war, resilience, and everyday strength.
Note: This project is supported by the British Council as part of the SARD programme, which focuses on the role of English and other languages in building resilience. SARD – Stories of Adversity, Resilience and Determination – encourages Palestinians, particularly young people, to share their stories and lived experiences through creative and educational media. The content of this production is solely the responsibility of Resilient Voices and does not necessarily reflect the views of the supporting or partnering institutions.
