Success story

From Syria to Türkiye: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity

Reem Alhalbouni's journey from war-torn Syria to the bustling tech scene in Türkiye is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions.

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5

min read //

March 11, 2024

Levent Ahmetoglu

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Program Manager

From Syria to Türkiye: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity
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Born and raised in Syria, Reem's childhood was marked by the onset of the civil war. In the midst of the conflict, she faced profound loss, including the tragic death of her elder brother. Yet, despite all of the challenges and chaos, Reem discovered a relentless spirit within.

"Growing up amidst war was a trial by fire. With every move, every loss, I learned to rebuild—not just homes, but hope. My family's love for the arts, my father's poetry, and my mother's passion for French literature became my sanctuary. They taught me that even in chaos, creativity flourishes."

Unlike her siblings, who pursued careers in the medical field, Reem charted her own path in the tech industry. Driven by a desire to explore the world of technology and armed with a degree in Computer Engineering from Karabük University, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth.

"I was always the outlier in my family. At 8, I dreamed of defending the voiceless as a lawyer. That dream evolved, but the core remained—using my skills and my voice for the greater good. My journey into UI/UX design wasn't just a career choice; it was a calling."

The Transformative Power of Re:Coded

Her journey took an exciting turn when she learned about Re:Coded. Our community-driven design bootcamp offered more than just technical skills—it provided a supportive network of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Fueled by excitement and encouragement from friends and family, Reem applied, eager to enhance her skills and pursue her passion for design.

"The journey was tough, especially juggling my personal life with intense training. But Re:Coded was more than just a bootcamp—it was a family that stood by me, pushing me to realize that I am not defined by my circumstances. I learned to create opportunities, to value my worth, and to be patient."

After graduating from Re:Coded’s bootcamp and armed with newfound confidence and skills acquired from Re:Coded, Reem is already working as a UX/UI designer, and she is determined to make a meaningful impact in the world. Reem Alhalbouni is poised to make waves in the tech world and beyond with her creativity, empathy, and resilience as her guiding lights.

"My path has been anything but conventional. But every challenge has been a lesson in perseverance, in stepping out of my comfort zone, and in the relentless pursuit of my dreams. The job market is competitive, but I am equipped with more than just skills—I have the courage to dream big and the resilience to make those dreams a reality."

Reem's story is more than just a narrative of personal achievement; it's a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. It's a reminder that resilience, combined with a supportive community, can turn dreams into reality, no matter where you start.

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Authors biography

Levent Ahmetoglu

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Program Manager

Levent is a manager at Re:Coded, bringing his experience and expertise to the organization since May 2022. Prior to joining Re:Coded, he held significant roles in project management, progressing from the bottom to the top and from the field to the headquarters. Currently, Levent takes the helm in steering Re:Coded’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Program, where he passionately empowers Re:Coded’s programs to achieve their overall outcomes.

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