 |
||
|
||
|
Hala Mohamed Al Saraf is an Iraqi woman, mother of three, and a Fulbright student studying in the Mailman School's Department of Health Policy and Management. The opportunity to study abroad and pursue her professional interest in public health arose through eight years of work with the World Health Organization collaborating on programs with Ministry of Health in Iraq . At the Frontline spoke with Hala about her decision to come to the U.S. to pursue a degree and how she feels her experience will impact her role in Iraq as a new government comes to power.
Q. Hala, can you describe how you made your decision to leave your family during a volatile time in Iraq to pursue an education in the United States?
A. As a mother, it was not easy to make the decision to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship in the first place. It took a lot of thinking, planning, and discussion with my family before we decided together that I should pursue this rare opportunity. My family felt very strongly that someone should set the example for other women and children to follow and pave the way for future educational opportunities.
Since the collapse of the previous regime in Iraq, the country is undergoing numerous changes in its policies, strategies, and international relations. Being an Iraqi, I have the responsibility to take part in the new Iraq. There are many opportunities for Iraqis to study abroad now-Fulbright is an outstanding option. Its vision goes beyond education to expanding concepts of coexistence, communication, and interaction. I believe in their vision.
Q. You have been in the U.S. for several months now. Has it been a difficult adjusting to life here?
A. Coming to the U.S. is a challenge for any Iraqi since we have been isolated for more than 20 years. It is a totally different experience in terms of education, life concepts, and values. I have taken great care to try to free my soul from any preconceived notions and embedded concepts I may have had about life and people here, and I try to interact with the existing system to make the best of it within my priorities and values.
Q. Tell us about your interest in public health, and how you chose to study at the Mailman School.
A. Iraqis are quite alert people and we know that Columbia is a top university. It is only natural for me to seek the best knowledge if I am going to improve the healthcare situation in Iraq, so coming to the Mailman School was an easy decision. I consider healthcare as the right of people, not a gift or donation. Good public health programs function in communities when everything else seems to fall apart. In the early 1980s, Iraq had one of the best primary healthcare systems in the Middle East; however, years of war and sanctions deteriorated the health infrastructure and health indicators were brought to levels comparable with the least developed countries. I feel that the current situation is tragic and I want to see it reversed.
Q. How do you feel your degree will help you and others as the Iraqi government and health infrastructure are rebuilt?
A. In Iraq, it is a pivotal time for decision making, especially in the area of healthcare. There is a shortage of people skilled in health policy analysis; when I return to Iraq, I hope to employ my knowledge and skills to actively participate in rebuilding my country's public health system. I see myself becoming more involved with the Ministry of Health-whether as an employee or working through a consulting firm, the United Nations, or an NGO is hard to say due to the changing environment there. One thing I know is for sure, I will be very busy once I go back.
Q. Final question: Given the situation with the war in Iraq, have you had any unique experiences as an Iraqi in the U.S., either positive or negative?
A. Yes, few weeks back, during the World Leaders conference at Columbia, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the President of Iraq. I was able to raise questions about the role of women there, and to explain my hope as a Fulbright student and Iraqi national to contribute to the rebuilding the government upon my return. For me, this was a unique encounter made possible by Columbia, and one that could never have happened in Iraq -at least not right now. I know that the road toward democracy is complicated and it will take years to demolish old myths and re-establish Iraq, but my experience here gives me great hope for the future.
Send to a friend | Subscribe | Unsubscribe
Mailman School Home | Columbia University Home
Copyright 2006 Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
