Sally Abou Ouf (MA Human Resource and Consulting, 2010) explains how her journey from Egypt to Lancaster to study helped her rediscover herself and venture into writing.

"It was the year 2008 when I decided it was time to further solidify my practical corporate years with a more focused study in my area of expertise. Little did I know that behind that decision would lie a door opening to more fulfilling opportunities both professionally and personally.

With a granted approval on a gap year from my company, I packed and left Egypt in 2009 to get my Master’s degree in Human Resource Development & Consulting from Lancaster University. Unspoken fears haunted me during my trip. Would I fit in given my relatively old age and American-dominated education style? Would it be okay returning to university life? Would I be able to make friends, settle in a comfortable life, etc? I was weighed down with these questions more than with my packed belongings.

The moment I set foot on the university ground and checked into my room, my fears gradually evaporated into thin air. All I could find was a positive welcoming tolerant environment from everyone around me, endless social opportunities to feel at home and an education system run by understanding professors that challenged my thinking and stretched my growth. Not only did this set up accelerate my integration into a life I liked, but also facilitated my ability to make friends for life and feel the joy of graduating with highest honours!

Living and learning at Lancaster helped me rediscover myself and witness my further evolution. Most importantly it gave me enough evidence to know that nothing can stop me once I set my eyes on what I wanted to achieve and marched relentlessly toward it. Ten years later, this same spirit enabled me to take the bold decision of retiring from the corporate world at the peak of my success and pursue my long-held passion for writing.

With a created personal Blog that eventually grew into a concept with a mission of helping people rekindle their inspiration while walking through their journey in Life, I ventured wholeheartedly into my writing path. My book “Revelations of a Naked Self” is my most recent witness to the power of self-belief and unstoppable effort. Released in June 2020, this is a memoir about the outcome of the soul-searching and self-discovery journey I needed to undertake to land myself peacefully where I currently am.

If there is one thing I can share with my current fellow students at Lancaster is to grasp every opportunity crossing their way to discover themselves, challenge their long-held principles, put their skills into test and avoid allowing their fears to control their life. We owe it to ourselves to realise the full potential of who we can possibly become. Being at Lancaster is a golden opportunity to start unlocking that potential. Grab it and never let it pass you by!"

“Revelations of a Naked Self”Book: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Me-Myself-and-Life

“Me, Myself & Life” Blog: www.memyselfandlife.club