My name has been changed for security reasons. I come from a country where the main religion is Islam. I live with my mother and stepfather. Since childhood, I’ve faced many family challenges that made me grow up quickly. I had to find my own way through difficulties and did everything I could to keep up with others — to not seem different, to appear “normal.” I worked hard to get good grades, tried to grow as a person, and lived in a way that made people think I was happy and doing fine. But deep down, that wasn’t true. I carried a lot of pain, emptiness, emotional wounds, and constant anxiety. 

When I was fifteen, I went through the hardest season of my life — a series of painful events and personal failures. But by God’s perfect timing, everything began to change. That summer, I went to a Young Life camp, where I experienced God’s healing love through the gospel and the powerful personal stories I heard. I still remember the moment when my Young Life leader and friend offered to pray with me. It was then that I realized: God was the One I had been missing — the One I couldn’t and didn’t want to live without. 

Today, I’m studying environmental science at a local university. I chose this field because my region is in urgent need — the air is polluted, people often get sick, our beautiful nature is disappearing, and biodiversity is declining. As DGL student, my deepest desire is to share God’s love with others who are going through hard times. I’m ready to respond to His calling. I want to be a selfless leader — someone who helps, serves, and reminds people that there is always hope, and that their story isn’t over — just like mine isn’t.