More Than Research: A Journey I’ll Never Forget

Living and working at KAUST is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I came for the science, but what I took away was so much more than just research skills or data sets.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the Red Sea and the peacefulness of the campus. It felt like a world of its own, calm, inspiring, and full of incredibly passionate people. I was surrounded by researchers from all over the world, each with their own story, and it didn’t take long before those colleagues turned into close friends. We’d share meals, dive trips, and long conversations about science, life, and everything in between.

Every day brought something new, diving among corals I’ve only read about, learning how warming and acidification were affecting reef life, or just sitting by the water at sunset, reflecting on how lucky I was to be there. The Red Sea is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen, and getting to study it firsthand was a dream come true.

But it wasn’t always easy. Living in a new culture, far from home, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m so grateful for that. It taught me patience, independence, and how to truly connect with people, even when everything feels unfamiliar at first.

My time at KAUST reminded me why I love marine science, but also helped me grow as a person. It gave me confidence in my path and a deeper sense of purpose in the work I want to do. I left feeling more curious, more grounded, and incredibly inspired.