News Archive

IU McKinney Master of Laws student Stephanie Semaan made the following remarks during an end-of-studies celebration at the law school on December 19.

Good Evening everyone,

I am a Lebanese student who left home a year ago to come to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in International and Comparative Law. People told me time flies, and a year will pass as fast as a blink of an eye. And with 2017 coming to an end, I understood their saying. I am now not only celebrating the completion of my master’s program, but also the end of the most challenging and beautiful life-changing experience.

I have become more independent, more courageous and I have learned to invest my sadness whenever I felt nostalgic in hard work and perseverance. I came here alone, away from all the familiar faces, and somehow found my safe haven around my friends, who stood by me throughout this year, and to them I say thank you so much, I was truly blessed. To my family whom I miss so much, I am so grateful for all the support, love and good vibes you send from home. And last, I would like to send a special thanks to the Holy Spirit University of Lebanon and Robert McKinney School of Law for their partnership and for opening the door to students like me to expand their experience and knowledge in their academic and personal lives.

Finally, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year, and never forget to be happy with every accomplishment you make, and passionate about what you want in life, even if you fail sometimes, because failure is nothing but another challenge!

Thank you and congratulations!