Welcome to another blog!

In today’s blog, I am going to talk about my overall experience with Solyia. When I first joined Soliya, I was genuinely excited. The idea of connecting with people from across the world to share thoughts, perspectives, and experiences really spoke to me. I had just returned from spending four months in the U.S., and one thing I missed deeply was the diversity, the kind that challenges your thinking, expands your worldview, and makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. Soliya felt like a perfect way to reconnect with that.

Engagement and Cultural Exchange

From the very first session, I was eager to dive in. I was ready to exchange ideas, hear different points of view, and explore topics that go beyond the surface. And honestly, the sessions did not disappoint. We discussed cultures and issues from places like Lebanon, Morocco, the U.S., and Tunisia. Each conversation gave me a little glimpse into lives and perspectives so different from my own. That was a very refreshing start.

What really made the experience special, though, was the group itself. Everyone brought something unique to the table. Each member had this distinct energy, way of thinking, or story that made them stand out. I was genuinely astonished by how thoughtful and deep some of the discussions got. I still remember the day we talked about Stoicism and Absurdism, two powerful philosophical frameworks that have shaped how people make sense of the world for centuries. As someone who’s passionate about philosophy, that moment made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.

One of the most impactful sessions for me was the one about identity. We didn’t just talk about what identity means, we explored how it shapes our actions, our appearance, and how we see ourselves. We played this eye-opening game where we had to choose seven qualities that define our identity, and then gradually cut it down to just three. It was surprisingly emotional. That exercise made us reflect deeply, and it brought us closer as a group. It reminded me that even though we came from completely different backgrounds, we shared so many of the same values and questions about who we are.

Memorable Conversations dynamics

One of the things I really appreciated about Soliya was how deeply we got into every detail of our discussions, even seemingly random topics turned into thought-provoking conversations. I remember one session where we explored why someone would choose running as a hobby. Some of us found it boring, while others spoke so passionately about how meditative and freeing it felt. That conversation surprisingly stuck with me. Then there was the veganism debate, that one lasted so long and had everyone laughing. It started as a serious discussion about lifestyle choices and turned into this hilarious exchange of opinions, jokes, and personal stories. These moments made the experience feel so genuine and fun.

In the interview and throughout the program, I also noticed the high level of intellect and focus among the participants. For example, Clara, a master’s student, stood out to me. She was incredibly attentive during our discussions, always listening carefully and giving thoughtful responses. Later, I found out that her participation in Soliya was actually helping with her thesis, which made total sense—she was very intentional in how she connected with each of us. Her presence made the conversations feel even more meaningful.

Personally, I chose to focus on identity throughout the program. It was something I hadn’t really explored for years; I had been so busy and distracted that I never gave myself time to reflect. Soliya gave me that space. It felt like I was finally unlocking a part of myself that I’d put on hold for far too long.

Things I think need improvement

That said, not everything was perfect. One of the things I didn’t enjoy was the length of the sessions. Two hours sometimes felt excessive, especially when the discussion dragged or circled around topics we had already covered. I also noticed that a lot of participants were hesitant to speak, which often led to these long, awkward silences, sometimes two full minutes of no one saying anything. It broke the flow and made it a bit uncomfortable at times. In my opinion, 1 hour and a half is more than fine, and it will keep the flow of the conversation more dynamic.

My final thought

Despite some drawbacks, Soliya was a powerful and enriching experience. It challenged me to reflect inwardly and connect with people from completely different backgrounds. I came in looking to engage with diversity, and I left with a deeper understanding of both others and myself. I was intimidated at first, but after seeing my group members, it was a lot easier, and I hope we get to meet each other again in the future.

That is all. I hope you enjoy this blog and have a great day!