Sometimes, you have those moments that just stick with you. For me, two of those moments happened back in 2017. It’s funny how time flies, but thinking back to June and then October of that year, I get this rush of pride and excitement all over again. I had the incredible honor of delivering the very first training sessions on entrepreneurship and innovation at the grand openings of the Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) – first at the University of Jordan, and then a few months later at Yarmouk University.
Honestly, it was a huge honor. To be invited to kick things off for ZINC at both openings? Wow. It felt like a huge responsibility, but also an amazing opportunity. I remember the energy at both events – the buzz of students, faculty, and everyone involved. You could feel the potential in the air. These weren’t just ribbon-cutting ceremonies; they were launching pads for future innovators and entrepreneurs.
I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t nervous. Standing in front of those students, knowing this was the first session they’d have at ZINC, I definitely felt the pressure. But that nervousness quickly turned into excitement. Seeing the students’ faces light up as we talked about turning ideas into reality, about the power of innovation, about the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey – that’s what made it so special.
It wasn’t about me or my training; it was about sparking something in them. It was about planting a seed and hoping it would grow into something amazing. And honestly, that’s the best feeling in the world.
Looking back, those two ZINC openings are more than just memories. They’re a reminder of why I do what I do. They’re a reminder of the power of education and the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs. And they’re a reminder that sometimes, the most significant moments are the ones where you get to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Huge thanks to ZINC and both universities for the opportunity. It was an honor I’ll never forget.
