Reflecting on My Soliya Experience

Participating in the Soliya Connect Express Program was a transformative journey, one that allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and engage in meaningful cross-cultural communication. It wasn’t just another discussion platform; it was a space where I could truly reflect on myself, my communication style, and my connection with others. This reflection has deepened my understanding of what it means to communicate effectively and empathetically across cultural and personal boundaries.

A Unique Dialogue Experience
The dialogue in Soliya differed fundamentally from other discussions I’ve been part of. Most of my prior experiences were either academic, where facts and opinions are exchanged with a focus on persuasion, or casual, with little depth or structure. In contrast, Soliya introduced me to an approach rooted in intentionality and mutual respect. Here, it wasn’t about winning a debate or simply sharing an opinion—it was about listening actively, understanding diverse perspectives, and finding common ground.

One moment that stood out was a conversation about societal values. Participants from different cultural backgrounds shared how their upbringing shaped their views on family, success, and community. Instead of disagreement, I noticed an eagerness to explore each other’s experiences. It felt different because the environment encouraged vulnerability and fostered an unspoken rule: listen to understand, not to respond.

Discovering Myself as a Communicator
This program also gave me a mirror to observe myself as a communicator. I realized that I often approach conversations with a desire to find solutions quickly, which can sometimes overshadow the process of truly listening. Soliya taught me to embrace silence, to pause and reflect before responding. It also revealed my tendency to avoid conflict—a habit rooted in fear of misunderstanding or hurting others. Yet, in this space, I learned that disagreements can be constructive when approached with respect and openness.

One of the most remarkable moments of this program was during the closing round. We played a game where the facilitator shared statements like, “A person who made you feel understood,” and we wrote in the chat who we thought best matched each statement. I kept seeing my name appear over and over again. It was such a surreal and beautiful feeling. I couldn’t help smiling. I didn’t know how to react because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I had tried throughout the program to be respectful, empathetic, and kind, but I didn’t realize the impact I had on others until that moment. Seeing how my actions resonated with them left me feeling deeply touched and motivated to keep showing love and understanding in all my interactions.

Fostering Constructive Communication
The skills I’ve gained through Soliya have already started to influence how I communicate in my personal life, my professional life, and my community. Personally, I am more mindful of the tone I use and the assumptions I bring into conversations. I’ve begun creating spaces where friends and family feel heard and valued by adopting the same patience and curiosity I practiced in the program.

Professionally, I’ve realized the importance of balancing assertiveness with empathy. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues or resolving conflicts, I now strive to build trust by validating others’ perspectives. In my community, I’ve started encouraging discussions that challenge stereotypes and promote understanding—something I believe is crucial in a world often divided by prejudice and fear.

Challenges and Growth
Initially, I was hesitant and unconfident about participating in Soliya. I doubted the program would benefit me and felt nervous about sharing my thoughts with strangers. However, as soon as I joined the sessions, I felt surprisingly comfortable. The group’s atmosphere was welcoming and supportive, and I found myself growing in confidence. There were even moments when I led the conversation, especially during awkward silences, something I never thought I’d be capable of.

This experience also sharpened my leadership and critical thinking skills, improved my ability to speak my second language with confidence, and helped me become a more well-rounded individual. I was amazed at how, despite coming from diverse backgrounds—even within the Arab world—we were able to find common ground. There were disagreements, of course, but they were approached respectfully and often led to deeper understanding rather than conflict.

Conclusion
This program was eye-opening, mind-changing, and even life-changing for me. It taught me that true communication transcends cultural and personal differences, relying instead on empathy, respect, and curiosity. I would strongly recommend this program to future students because of its ability to foster not only communication skills but also personal growth. I am incredibly thankful to have participated, as it has made a positive and lasting impact on my life.