Why Me?
Learn more about Samer, his education, projects, goals and inspirations!
Samer's history in few words!
The Full Story
This is Mohammed Samer Alhaffar, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering student at York University, Lassonde School of Engineering, a former refugee, and a war survivor. I attended Damascus University in 2012 and studied mechanical engineering as well and spent most of my time in community work. Yet, I spent 2 amazing years in Lebanon teaching and mentoring in refugee camps and education centers.
Later, I came to Canada through a private sponsorship program called the Student Refugee Program established by the World University Service of Canada for all refugees around the world, the program provides me with a scholarship at York University as well.
A fortunate strength I gain by going through many tremendous and unexpected life experiences I encountered that made me a person who seeks to spread peace using storytelling tools and theatrical performances wherever I go.
My hobbies change continuously as the environment around me changes. Nowadays, I aim to hike most Ontario parks and set my tent in spots where trees, forest insects, and wildlife are all around. I play soccer, tennis, and cycle a lot.
**Photo: A destroyed old house's roof. I took the above photo in the ruined city of Homs-Syria in mid-2017!
Where I am coming from!
Damascus | Damas | دِمَشّق
I came from the old city of Damascus, Syria, from a small neighbourhood called Saroujah, a place that was built in the 13 century and has a long history where a lot of accent civilizations occupied it and left their remarkable footprint on it. Grew up in a big family that has never pursued any academic degrees where traditions control, preclude high education and encourage only craftsman's work. However, my father always looked up to us to pursue high education, encouraged a learning attitude and changed all the threadbare standards. This had a tremendous impact on me, differ our mindset to always pursue more education, as it is the most effective tool that a human can use to make a change.
Richard P. Feynman had the greatest inspiration in my life. “The most original mind of his generation” – Freeman Dyson. Feynman, the great physicist, and a noble prized, scintillating method of teaching and introducing the fundamental of physics were a role key in choosing physics to study at York University. My inspiration from him is still ongoing while I have a lifetime to enjoy his works.
Mohammed Samer Alhaffar
An artifact of mine
My artifact is this collage mural I worked on in 2016 in Syria while I was working with an emergency response team to help deal with the war's impacts on our community. It represents a training output for displaced kids who left their houses in rural areas due to war and came to the capital city of Syria. 25 kids participated in creating this fabulous collage to observe the difference in the social structure of the country, tell a story, and build peace.
Future!
As I continue my professional journey, I like to think of my career as one big learning experience that continuously grows with each project and collaboration. With a dedication to functionality and a curiosity for what’s ahead of the curve, I keep my work practical, relevant and creative. Have a look at my projects and past work, and feel free to reach out with any questions.