On 14 April 2025, Bethlehem University’s Creative Writing class welcomed a very special guest: acclaimed author and journalist Stephanie Saldaña. Known for her work documenting life in the Middle East and exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural resilience, Saldaña visited the class of Mr. Layth R. Awwad for an unforgettable session of reading, reflection, and creativity.
During the class, Saldaña read from her powerful new book, What We Remember Will Be Saved, which captures the stories of Syrian and Iraqi refugees and the objects they carry as symbols of memory and hope. She then led an engaging workshop with the students, offering writing advice drawn from her own process. “It’s not only about what it says,” she told the class, “but also how it sounds.” She encouraged students to think of writing not just as a tool for communication, but as a craft that needs rhythm, flow, and poetry.
Following the reading, Saldaña opened the floor for a Q&A session, where students eagerly asked about her experiences, writing journey, and the stories behind her book. The discussion was full of curiosity and connection, with students deeply engaged in the conversation.
To continue the creative momentum, the class took a walk around campus, eventually stopping at the university’s fountain. There, Saldaña gave the students a writing prompt: “Write about the things around you that others might not notice.” The exercise highlighted how each writer has a unique way of seeing the world—and why everyone has something important to say.
Reflecting on her visit, Saldaña shared, “It was such a joy to meet the students and to experience their deep curiosity about the creative process. They already have such distinct voices, and their hunger for learning about the craft of language gave me so much energy. I can’t wait to see the authors they will become.”
As the visit came to a close, Saldaña gifted a signed copy of her book to Mr. Awwad, leaving behind not just a memory, but a tangible piece of inspiration for the classroom.
The session was a moving reminder of the power of storytelling—and the importance of listening closely, writing bravely, and noticing the world with new eyes.
