Igniting the Hidden Passion for Technology

Unlike the usual times where students gathered in classrooms for the lectures and practices, Samsung Innovation Campus has transitioned to online today to provide participants with a high-quality learning experience amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has made face-to-face learning difficult. Samsung believes that education is something that can never be compromised.

Paula is a student from Egypt that benefited from such philosophy of Samsung. His days as a participant of Samsung Innovation Campus in Egypt helped him discover his potential and guide his way to the future. Read on to see Paula’s unwavering determination despite COVID-19.

Q. How did you come across Samsung Innovation Campus?

“I came across Samsung Innovation Campus while scrolling my newsfeed on social media. At first, I hesitated to apply thinking I would not get in. Regardless, I took the courage and gave it a shot. I got in! This was the first step to gaining new experiences and achieving personal development.”

Q. What did you learn at Samsung Innovation Campus?

“I remember everything I learned during the program. Through 660 hours of classes over the course of 12 weeks, I gained extensive knowledge of coding and programming. Although I panicked a little in the beginning when the program switched to online over the worsening pandemic, the transition in fact turned out to be an exceptional experience as it taught me ‘self-directed learning.’ I could see myself more independent than ever.”

Q. What part of the program impressed you the most?

“Definitely the mentorship program. Through mentoring, I was introduced to a lot of people who inspired my life. Every encounter with someone new constantly motivated me to move forward. My mentor did not only teach me but also helped me think clearly and creatively. The talks I shared with my mentor drove me to identify ideas and realize ideas that would otherwise have been thoughts inside my head.”

Q. What are your next steps?

“Currently, I am a mechatronics engineering major at Cairo University. My life revolves around robotics, electronics, technical systems, and the like. I am also serving as an ambassador for ‘International Hack Club’ in Egypt, a nonprofit network of high school coding clubs and makers around the world, where I used to be a member as a schoolboy. It feels great to be able to mentor and teach the younger students coding and programming skills that I’ve learned not only during my time at the club and but also at Samsung Innovation Campus.

Searching for new project ideas is what I do every day, and bringing them to light would be the biggest achievement I can make. However, I am working on what is greater today which is developing a growth mindset.

I wholeheartedly appreciate the opportunity that Samsung Innovation Campus has offered me in developing the technological and creative skill sets and igniting the hidden passion I have for technology. I strongly recommend friends my age to apply and dive into the world of IT with Samsung.”