ULYP Bridge Program

📣 Success Story: Mohammad Naeem Al Dalo | Software Engineering | Near East University

Seven months ago, I participated in a programming competition where teams had to develop a platform or a website. There were five groups—Beta, Alpha, Gamma, Omega, and Delta—each consisting of six members from different universities. I was part of the Beta group, and our task was to create a sewing shop mediator platform. This platform allowed providers to apply for membership and enabled clients to request clothing items for rent or purchase.

My role was to develop the registration page using Django, a Python framework for building web applications efficiently. However, I had no prior experience with Django, and we only had five days to complete the project. This meant I had just three days to learn Django before coding and submitting my work to the team for integration.

To manage, I dedicated six hours daily to learning Django, breaking my study sessions into smaller segments to avoid burnout. On the first day, I struggled to understand the concepts—it felt overwhelming. But instead of giving up, I took detailed notes from various online resources, even if I didn’t fully grasp them at first. By the second day, I turned to YouTube tutorials to clarify difficult concepts and answer my questions. Slowly, things started to make sense. By the third day, I had a solid understanding of Django and how to approach my task. After completing my learning, I took a break and ensured I got enough rest to start coding effectively the next day.

Initially, coding the registration page felt manageable, but as I progressed, I encountered many challenges. However, I remained persistent, solving each issue as it arose. Eventually, I completed my part and submitted my code to the team, allowing us to integrate everything smoothly.

Finally, it was time to present our projects. The competition was intense, but in the end, our team won first place and received certificates for our achievement.

This experience taught me that no matter how little time you have, you can learn something new if you have self-confidence and persistence. Never give up—keep trying until you achieve your goal.

📣 Success Story: Hasan Maher Hamid | Mechanical Engineering | Eastern Mediterranean University

" When I completed my high school education, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what the future held. The financial burden of university seemed like an insurmountable challenge, and I wasn’t planning to continue my studies. Then, in a moment I will never forget, ULYP called me with life-changing news—I had been awarded a full scholarship. That call not only opened the door to higher education but also reignited my ambition and drive.

I traveled abroad to Northern Cyprus to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at EMU, stepping into an exciting new world filled with fresh challenges, friendships, and experiences. Although I arrived just a week before midterms and had already missed many classes, I was determined to succeed. Despite the rough start, I worked hard and managed to make it onto the Honor List that semester. Over the years, I continued to push my limits, earning High Honor distinctions in nearly all my semesters. My passion for design and engineering was recognized by professors who took my projects for further study, with some even wanting to publish my work under their names. One of my proudest moments was when a professor requested my design work before the deadline to use as a reference for real-life applications.

Now, in my final semester, I am looking ahead to the next chapter. I am aiming to secure a scholarship for post-graduate studies at a top university while actively searching for internship opportunities in any field that can enhance both my personal and academic skills. None of this would have been possible without ULYP’s incredible support—not just covering my tuition fees, stipends, and even a laptop bonus, but also giving me the opportunity to build a future I once thought was out of reach. This journey has shaped me into someone who embraces challenges, seeks knowledge, and works toward meaningful achievements".

👉 What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your academic journey? Share in the comments!