This isn’t the first time Juana Nasr-El-Din, a 21-year-old student from Daliyat al-Karmel, a Druze town outside of Haifa, embarked on her bachelor’s degree. The first-year student was already well into her journey as a computer science student at a different higher education institution when she decided to switch gears, transferring to University of Haifa and enrolling in the University’s accounting program.
In this conversation, Nasr-El-Din shares her motivations, the impact of the October 7th attacks on her life, and her aspirations for the future. Through her story, we gain insight into resilience, cultural values, and the power of making meaningful choices.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I’m 21 years old, and I come from Daliyat al-Karmel and I’m currently in my first year studying economics and accounting at University of Haifa. In my free time, I love reading, walking, and—most of all—chatting with people.
Q: What made you choose University of Haifa?
A: It was a natural choice for me. The University is close to home, just a 30-minute bus ride away, and I had already spent time there during high school, studying in the library for my exams. My older siblings also studied there, and since my parents are older, I wanted to stay nearby to help out. More than that, the university has a welcoming and diverse environment, which made it feel like the right place for me.
Q: You initially studied computer science at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. What led you to switch to accounting?
A: My journey was a bit different from most students. I started studying computer science right after high school at the Technion, and I spent three semesters there. But I realized that I wasn’t passionate about it—it didn’t feel fulfilling to me.
Then October 7th happened, and everything changed. Classes stopped, and many students were called into reserve duty. I volunteered in agriculture to help farmers struggling due to a labor shortage. That experience really made me reflect on what I wanted to do with my life. I asked myself, why should I pursue something I don’t love just because I can?
I went through career counseling and aptitude tests, talked to my family and friends, and discovered that accounting was a perfect fit. It combines my love for numbers with law, business, and real-world impact. It’s an honest, respected profession, and I value integrity highly.
Q: What do you like most about accounting?
A: It’s more diverse than people think. It’s not just about numbers—it involves laws, regulations, firms, and people. I originally considered studying law or even medicine, but I found that accounting provided the right balance. It challenges me in a way that’s both structured and dynamic.
Q: How did October 7th affect you personally?
A: The war had a deep impact on me, my family, and my community. My brothers-in-law were called into reserve duty, and like many families in the Druze community, we all had loved ones serving. It was a very tense time.
Even though I wasn’t on campus yet, I saw how much life changed for so many people. At the university, we continue to talk about it—we hang posters, wear yellow ribbons, and participate in discussions to make sure the memory of those events stays alive. We can’t forget.
Q: You received a scholarship from the University. Can you tell us more about it?
A: I was fortunate to receive a scholarship through the University’s dean’s office. It covers tuition, which means I don’t have to worry about student loans. As part of the scholarship, I also do volunteering and attend monthly workshops on topics like time management, financial planning, and study strategies.
One of the best parts is the opportunity to meet students from different fields—nursing, psychology, computer science, law, and more. Normally, we only interact with people in our own department, so this has really broadened my experience.
Q: What are your career plans after graduation?
A: In Israel, CPAs are required to complete a two-year internship before receiving their license. My goal is to work at one of the Big Four accounting firms—KPMG, Deloitte, EY, or PwC. These companies handle major clients worldwide, and I believe they offer the best opportunities for growth.
I’ll start applying next year, and I know the process will be competitive, but I’m excited for the challenge.
Q: Looking back, how do you feel about your decision to study at University of Haifa?
A: It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Even though I had the qualifications to study anywhere, my heart was here. The supportive environment, the diversity, and the sense of community have made all the difference.
Q: Are there any final thoughts you’d like to share?
A: I just feel grateful—for my education, my scholarship, and the chance to share my story. I hope this interview and everything I do at the University help give back in some way. Life is a blessing, and I’m thankful for every opportunity I have.