Mrs. Férial ASSHA

French and Religious Studies Instructor – USJ
Scholarship Fund

« … Simply because my father, my brother and I are USJ alumni. Moreover, I studied at USJ for 20 years and earned 9 degrees there. Also, it is a French-speaking university, and I am personally very Francophone and Francophile, and I could not see myself helping any other university. As the Rector often repeats, USJ, with its Jesuit touch, educates “to know how to be and to know how to do”, and my education at USJ has allowed me to witness this. This education encompasses the moral, spiritual, and intellectual aspects, which are crucial. We establish personal relationships with instructors, and this is what makes USJ unique.

[…] USJ succeeded in structuring my personality, which motivates me to remain committed. If I am who I am today, it is thanks to the 20 years of courses I have taken and the diplomas I have obtained at USJ. When I began my studies there, I certainly had potential, but it was scattered in all directions. USJ succeeded in structuring my personality while channeling my emotions and intelligence at the same time. This has made me a more mature person who knows what she wants and where she is going, and who finally understands the meaning of life. USJ is an integral part of my identity, and I could never separate myself from this institution.

...And I can finally add that Lebanon is part of the Middle East, which has been the cradle of civilizations. If all the capable individuals leave this country, then this cradle of civilizations will be left to those who ultimately will have no idea about the history and geography of this part of the world.

First of all, I would like to tell the students benefiting from the scholarship that I was lucky to have parents who allowed me to pursue my studies, and that they have the same opportunity to be supported in building themselves up and then rebuilding the country in which they grew up. I do not have children, and I see helping students as giving meaning to my life; I therefore consider them my virtual children. I created 2 scholarship funds to pay tribute to my parents who have given me the opportunity to study, and forge a strong and free personality. It is a mission of philanthropy […] what I have acquired through my studies is inner freedom, the freedom to tell ourselves that whatever the external circumstances, when we are internally free and strong, thanks to the solid education that we have acquired, we can continue to build and hope against all odds. Education and culture are the only weapons that allow us to become better and free. The truth always comes to light, and I believe that there is justice in this world. I am sure that there are people who share my opinion because, as they say in Arabic, “الدم ما بصير مي” (blood does not turn into water).

I lived in France for 25 years, and it became a second homeland for me. It has taught me many things, but when I breathe Lebanese air, though I am very Francophone and Francophile, it’s a completely different feeling! Lebanon has fed me and nurtured my childhood; I was born here; this is my land, and no one can take that away from me.