I first learned about the Manara Center through Elias Matar, the founder. My motivation to travel to Lebanon and work with the team for over two years was the students I met along the way. I knew I had to meet them when I attended a film screening of their three short stories titled From the Front Lines.

My first introduction to Hassan was through a series of interviews following the film. In his interview, he stated, “I’m an actor. Once I wake up in the morning, I have a character. If you want to know the real me, visit me while I’m sleeping. All the people I meet in my life are actors. They are excellent actors. I’ve realized that everyday life is a masquerade party. And the ones that attend this party with their real faces will regret it.

Nadia and Rami teach me to be a better leader, Hamza teaches me about life through poetry, Israa makes words dance off a page, Asma’s laughter is my medicine, Hassan is my favorite storyteller, and Ahmed is always my favorite character.

The most valuable lessons I have learned in life were not taught to me in a formal classroom setting, but among my favorite teachers, the individuals I have met through the Manara Center.