Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalia Sherif.
Hi Dalia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as an immigrant from Egypt has been a testament to resilience and perseverance. Arriving with my family, I faced the daunting task of rebuilding my life and forging a second career path. The initial struggles were profound, but it was through the pursuit of education that I found a beacon of hope and opportunity.
Coming to Houston as an immigrant, utterly transplanted, with no friends, no family, no frame of reference, and no plan, felt like a solitary seed cast into deep soil and uncertain whether it is buried to perish or planted to thrive. Each day was marked by the uncertainty of mere survival and the quest for adapting to my new life. Everything felt daunting and the simplest tasks looked like monumental challenges. In this vast city, where I do not know where to find resources or how to even begin searching for a job, I was both exhilarated and terrified by the boundless possibilities and the scary unknown. Each interaction, each step, and each hesitant choice was a big leap of faith, a test of resilience, and a new hope that eventually a better chapter will begin.
Despite being in a managerial position midway through my career, I had to restart at an entry level position when I moved to Houston. Embracing this shift, I approached the opportunity to rebuild my career with optimism and determination. While the path forward may not always be a straight line and may present obstacles along the way, maintaining a steadfast pace and a positive attitude will ultimately lead you to where you need to be.
Education became my lifeline, offering me the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of a new environment and industry. However, beyond academia, I learned invaluable lessons from community service, networking, and sheer hard work. These became the guiding principles that propelled me forward on my journey to success.
The concept of work-life balance took on a deeper meaning as I strived to provide for my family while also nurturing personal growth and fulfillment. I balanced two jobs while pursuing a PhD program and a mother for three amazing children. Through dedication and determination, I discovered that by prioritizing the well-being of my loved ones and maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between professional and personal spheres, I could rediscover my true purpose.
I embraced the philosophy of giving back to others, recognizing the profound impact of kindness in fostering reciprocal opportunities and connections. By extending a helping hand to those in need and actively engaging in community initiatives, I not only contributed to the betterment of society but also found fulfillment in seeing how my actions could inspire positive change and uplift others on their own journeys. I currently serve as the scholarship chair for two non-profit organizations, assisting students in overcoming financial obstacles to achieve their educational goals, just as I did. Additionally, I am a board member of the Community College Baccalaureate Association, Women Professionals in Government, and the East End Chamber of Commerce.
In essence, my immigrant experience has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the transformative power of education, and the importance of service and compassion. These principles continue to guide me as I navigate the complexities of life, instilling within me a deep-seated belief in the inherent potential for growth and success, regardless of one’s background or circumstances. Remember, true worth emanates from within and is not subject to the whims of others. Trust in your worth and unyieldingly advocate for it. This is the cornerstone upon which your empowerment and fulfillment are built.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The voyage of my life was more like sailing through rogue waves. Going head on into the wave is not always best. Do not fight waves, steer with the waves. I learned to anchor my resolve and navigate with patience, tact, and determination. As someone once put it, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Our inner strength and resilience are the true compasses guiding us through life’s storms.
I only remember the seeds of hope even in the darkest moment of despair. The path to success is not paved with ease, and there is no map either. As Winston Churchill famously remarked, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” These words serve as a constant reminder that true victory is not measured by the absence of obstacles, but by the resilience to press on despite them.
One thing I remember is that halfway though my dissertation, my laptop was damaged during hurricane Harvey and I lost a year’s worth of work. In the wake of the storm, our home was flooded, and we were left displaced for months. I was still able to finish and defended my dissertation on time. With each setback, I’ve discovered a deeper reservoir of strength within myself, and in every challenge I found a hidden opportunity. So, as I reflect on my journey thus far, I remind myself that everyone of us is fighting a battle that no one else knows about. I am reminded of the words of Dr. Maya Angelou: “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a dedicated professional in higher education, I am deeply committed to fostering a student-centric ethos, where the success and well-being of students are not just objectives but heartfelt priorities. While I have often shared my experiences in the realm of higher education on this platform, I would like to take this opportunity to recount a personal creativity story that underscores the transformative power of adversity.
Last year, my life took an unexpected turn when my husband went missing for three days, only to be found in a hospital ICU, a victim of a reckless driver that left him with a life-altering injury. In the six months that followed, I remained steadfast by his bedside, navigating through uncertainty and fear. My kids couldn’t do much but they were silently asking many questions about the future that I couldn’t begin to answer.
During those challenging months, I found solace and refuge in writing. Amidst the chaos and tears, I wrote twelve short stories, each a testament to a year full of hope and despair, alike. These stories became some of the most meaningful and impactful work I have ever produced.
Through the deepest of all hardship, I discovered an untapped reservoir of creativity right within myself. Like diamonds forming under pressure, these stories emerged as small pockets of hope and strength. They served not only as a source of comfort for me but also as a connection to my husband during his moments of rest.
As I read these stories to him, I am reminded of the transformative power of adversity. It is in the face of life’s greatest challenges that we unearth hidden strengths and uncover our best selves. This experience has not only reaffirmed my belief in human superpowers but also ignited a newfound passion for writing and storytelling within me. I planning to publish this collection of short stories soon.
What are your plans for the future?
At present, I am looking forward to pursuing a life coach training program, driven by a deep-seated desire to utilize my knowledge and life experiences to assist others. My aim is to offer guidance and support to individuals who have traversed through career challenges, are grappling with setting their career goals, or find themselves at a career plateau. This endeavor represents a significant step forward in my journey towards personal and professional fulfillment, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
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