Walaa Sameer Tamim’s story is one of relentless determination, resilience, and a deep love for language. Despite facing extraordinary challenges, Walaa has carved a path for herself in the world of translation and content writing, proving that passion and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Walaa Sameer Tamim :A Childhood of Determination Amidst Adversity
Growing up in Syria during a time of war, Walaa’s journey was fraught with difficulties. She recalls a vivid memory of standing on the roof of her house during the rain, holding a laptop to catch a weak internet signal while her brother shielded her with an umbrella. The image is symbolic of her persistence—working tirelessly to send files and meet deadlines under seemingly impossible circumstances.
For years, Walaa worked by candlelight due to frequent power outages. She never shared the hardships of her situation with her clients or colleagues, maintaining professionalism at all times. Even after undergoing eye surgery due to the strain of working on a laptop, she found ways to keep going. Her brother would read her emails and messages aloud, and she would dictate replies. These moments highlight her unwavering commitment to her craft
Discovering a Passion for Language
Walaa’s career journey has been anything but linear. She initially explored journalism and teaching before discovering her true calling in content writing and translation. The realization was transformative. Translating books and writing stories allowed her to express her creativity while bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.
Despite her remarkable achievements—including translating three books and publishing hundreds of articles—Walaa remains humble. “I don’t believe I’ve achieved anything truly remarkable,” she says, though her work speaks otherwise. Her goal is to one day receive recognition for translating a novel, but for now, she has paused book translation to focus on expanding her cultural knowledge and enriching her linguistic skills.
The Challenges of War and a Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Walaa’s journey has not been without sacrifices. During her early years, she spent countless hours researching, training, and even working for free to master her skills. She relied entirely on books, the internet, and her own determination, without taking formal courses.
The war in Syria presented additional obstacles, from limited internet access to electricity shortages. Often, she worked in cafés to find a suitable environment for her projects. International sanctions made it difficult to access resources and subscriptions, but Walaa’s friends abroad helped her overcome these barriers, ensuring she could continue her work.
Despite these challenges, Walaa persevered. Her ability to navigate these difficulties reflects her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Pride in Heritage and the Power of Language
Walaa draws inspiration from her heritage, taking immense pride in the Arabic language. While she speaks fluent English, her love for classical Arabic has been instrumental in shaping her career. It has allowed her to collaborate with major Emirati companies and deliver content that resonates with her audience.
“Syrians are brilliant people who have endured so much, expressing admiration for her compatriots’ resilience. “I am very proud of every person from my people and of my Land. There is no Syrian today who hasn’t been exhausted or worn out by the war, and despite that, most Syrians today are admired for their resilience and hard work”. She says This pride in her identity fuels her work, and her ability to capture the essence of Arabic culture and language has earned her respect and recognition in the Gulf region.
Lessons Learned: Patience, Growth, and Cultural Understanding
Walaa’s career has been a continuous journey of learning and growth. One of the most valuable lessons she learned came during her experience translating books for Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Initially unfamiliar with the region’s culture, she took the time to immerse herself by watching films, following news, and studying the local language nuances. This cultural understanding became a cornerstone of her success, enabling her to create content that resonates with her audience.
Another key lesson has been the importance of patience. “Mistakes can be costly,” Walaa says, emphasizing the need to carefully proofread and review every piece of work. Her meticulous approach has earned her a reputation for reliability and excellence.
For Walaa, failure is not an option. Instead, she views setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. “I don’t fail; I either succeed or learn,” she says, a mindset that has propelled her forward in the face of adversity.
Redefining Success
For Walaa, success is not measured by fame or accolades but by the impact of her work. “Success means seeing others happy with your work and being satisfied with it,” she explains. She takes pride in knowing her clients trust her and that her work leaves a lasting impression.
Walaa’s ultimate goal is to leave behind a legacy of translated books that are celebrated for their integrity and quality. She dreams of readers recognizing her skill and sincerity through the beauty of her translations.
I dedicate every success to my family, to all the members of my family and my friends, who have always stood by my side, supported me throughout the journey, and have been proud of everything I do. She says.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If Walaa could speak to her younger self, she would encourage her to read more, make better use of time, and surround herself with knowledgeable people. “Knowledge has no limits,” she says, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and passion for one’s craft.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Walaa’s aspirations remain deeply rooted in her love for language. She hopes to become a professional translator known for her skill and dedication, leaving behind a body of work that inspires others. In addition to translation, she dreams of writing more stories and exploring new ideas, driven by the same passion that has guided her career thus far.
Walaa Sameer Tamim’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding love for language. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact in their chosen field.
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