Blomshabeb: Please introduce yourself.
Fatima Karout: My name is Fatima Karout; I'm currently a university student at AUB, but before that I was one of the top 10 students in the Lebanese Baccalaureate official exams. I'm one of five students who received scholarships from BLOM Bank during the gala they organized for the top students of Lebanon.

BS: Where did you go to school? And how did you do in the officials?
FK: I was a student at Kawthar high-school – Beirut, in the General Sciences section. According to my grades on the official exam, I was tenth best, which is great if you think about it, but I felt like I could have done much better.

BS: What are you studying now? And Where?
FK: I'm currently studying Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE) at the American University of Beirut. It's tough, since we're still in transition from school student to university student; it needs time and a lot of effort, but I hope to do well enough and work hard enough to get a PhD in the end.

BS: How was your interaction with Blomshabeb?
FK: I've been aware of the Blomshabeb program for a while, back when I was looking up majors and university programs I could enroll in after school. But I only just got how much effort they're spending to make a difference in the education sector: they organized a gala for the top students in Lebanon, which in itself is a great thing to do, and they also gave out scholarships. I mean, it's really good to know that there's someone who appreciates and rewards effort and good work.

BS: Do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to share with other students?
FK: You should never underestimate your potential. Yes, you're allowed to have fun, but when it's time to work, follow your potential and do your best and you'll do great things!