“UoPeople Didn’t Just Give Me an Education — It Gave Me Hope,” Says Computer Science Student, Sara A.

Originally from Syria and now living in the UAE, Sara A. has always seen education as her path to a better future. Although personal and financial challenges made continuing her studies difficult at times, she remained determined. Through perseverance, she completed high school with strong marks, proud of what she had achieved despite the hurdles.

Yet graduation brought about a new obstacle. Although she had earned good grades, financial barriers stood between her and a traditional university education. “I felt confused and discouraged,” she shares. “I didn’t know how I would continue toward my dreams of earning a college degree.”

Everything changed when she discovered University of the People. Learning that she could pursue an accredited American degree online restored her sense of possibility and direction. Sara is now earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science at UoPeople.

“For years, I didn’t believe a Computer Science degree was realistic for me,” Sara says. “Finding UoPeople changed that. The flexible online format helped me thrive, rebuild my confidence, and develop real-world coding and security skills. Now, I’m focused on building a career in backend engineering and application security — knowing I truly belong in tech.”

At UoPeople, Sara found flexibility, structure, and a sense of belonging in a global classroom filled with students from around the world.

“I discovered University of the People while searching for an affordable, accredited university that would allow me to continue my education despite financial challenges, and when I learned about its mission and flexible model, I knew it was the opportunity I had been hoping for. My experience has been empowering and transformative — the online format allows me to maintain a disciplined and organized study schedule, while supportive instructors and collaborative classmates help me grow academically and professionally, strengthening my analytical thinking, sense of responsibility, and global perspective.”

Sara is developing strong technical skills in programming, backend development, databases, and application security. She is particularly drawn to problem-solving, logical thinking, and building secure, efficient systems. Alongside her studies in computer science, she is a writer working on long-form creative projects.

“Today, I look ahead with renewed determination and confidence, knowing that my education at UoPeople is shaping the future I’ve always hoped for. I’m excited to apply my skills in technology and creative writing, pursue meaningful work in secure and efficient systems, and continue learning from a global community that has already changed my life,” she shares with enthusiasm.

As a university with a mission to empower learners like her, we are proud of Sara’s achievements and wish her all the best for life.