Bethlehem University welcomed back four graduates of the Occupational Therapy program; Dania Abassi, Asmma Alkam, Maryam Jaabari, and Nagham Irziqat, who met with current students last Thursday, 9 October 2025, to share their experiences from the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) Program at the University of Southern California (USC), a world leader in occupational therapy research and innovation.
The graduates spoke about their academic and cultural journey in California, offering valuable insights and encouragement to the next generation of Occupational Therapy students. Their visit inspired meaningful dialogue about the importance of global exposure, continuous learning, and service to community; values deeply rooted in Bethlehem University’s mission.
Reflecting on the experience, Dania Abassi shared:
“SOTI wasn’t just a chapter in my journey, it was the story that changed my path. It taught me that growth hides in unfamiliar places, that connection speaks every language, and that being grateful is the best way to truly learn. Most of all, it taught me to trust the process, to grow through every experience, every connection, and every story I carry with me.”
Maryam Jaberi added:
“SOTI was truly life-changing. It offered countless moments of learning beyond the classroom; with connection, cultural understanding, and personal growth at the heart of it all.”
Earlier this summer, the four graduates represented Bethlehem University in Los Angeles, gaining international exposure, advancing their clinical and academic skills, and joining a global network of professionals in the field of occupational therapy.
Their participation continues a legacy that began in 2017, when a second-year Occupational Therapy student first expressed the dream of attending USC’s summer program. Through creative fundraising and the support of the University’s Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, that dream became reality. The first four students attended the program in 2018, excelling both academically and personally; an achievement that led USC to recognize Bethlehem University’s excellence and provide financial support to sustain participation in the years that followed.
Since then, SOTI has become an annual opportunity for Bethlehem University students, even continuing online during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of conflict.
This year’s graduates have carried that legacy forward, demonstrating Bethlehem University’s enduring mission; to empower students with transformative educational experiences that prepare them to serve their communities and contribute to the advancement of Palestine and the world.
