Early Aspirations: A Star in the Making
From a tender age, Joelle Habib exhibited a natural flair for performance and communication. At just ten years old, she would gather her siblings and cousins, transforming family gatherings into lively shows where she played the role of a TV presenter. She organized games, announced scores, and spoke confidently before an imaginary camera. Recognizing her innate talent, Joelle’s parents nurtured her passion. They encouraged her to read the Epistle in church on Sundays and take the stage during school events. Her teachers, too, saw her potential, often selecting her for speeches and presentations.
A pivotal moment came at the age of 12 when her father gifted her a digital camera. This gesture was more than just a present; it was an affirmation of his belief in her abilities. Every evening, after his long workdays, he would eagerly ask, “Show me what you recorded today.” His pride was evident as he watched her recordings, often gathering the entire family to view her “shows.” These moments of encouragement and validation solidified Joelle’s determination to pursue a career in media.
Academic Pursuits and Early Career: Laying the Foundation
At 18, Joelle faced a crossroads in her academic journey. Unsure if journalism was her true calling, she considered other majors. However, her father’s unwavering belief in her potential led to heartfelt discussions, ultimately guiding her to embrace journalism. Reflecting on this decision, Joelle expresses profound gratitude for his guidance, acknowledging that journalism perfectly aligns with her voice, character, and passion.
She enrolled at the Lebanese University in Beirut, majoring in Journalism and Communication. Concurrently, she embarked on her first training experience with An-Nahar newspaper. Immersed in a professional environment alongside seasoned journalists, Joelle’s passion for the field ignited. Despite her initial lack of experience, she believed in herself and seized every opportunity to learn.
A significant breakthrough occurred on the last exam day of her first university year. Joelle received a call from a local TV station regarding her job application. At just 19, she secured her first position in the media industry, marking the true commencement of her career. Starting as a character generator operator, she showcased versatility by progressing to roles such as content creator, TV presenter, social media specialist, and news reporter.
Professional Growth: Navigating the Media Landscape
Joelle’s career trajectory continued its upward climb as she joined LBCI Lebanon as a digital and social media executive. This role allowed her to delve deeper into the digital facets of media, broadening her expertise. While building her career, she remained committed to academic excellence, pursuing both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her dedication led her to participate in multiple internships and fellowships with esteemed organizations, including Democracy Reporting International. As a freelance event reporter, she had the privilege of interviewing public figures, further enhancing her journalistic repertoire.
Throughout her journey, Joelle encountered numerous challenges. However, she views each obstacle as a stepping stone that has shaped her into the professional she is today. She attributes much of her success to her father’s early recognition of her potential, acknowledging that he foresaw her path even before she did.
Current Endeavors: Expanding Horizons in Dubai
Presently, Joelle resides in Dubai, working as a content marketing creator. This role has allowed her to gain experience across diverse industries, honing essential digital media and marketing skills. These competencies align seamlessly with her long-term aspiration of excelling in the media industry. Ever the explorer, Joelle continues to discover her potential, embracing learning and growth with the hope that her relentless hard work will lead her to her ultimate dream job in media.
Lessons Learned: Embracing Resilience and Authenticity
Joelle’s journey has imparted invaluable lessons, the foremost being the significance of resilience and adaptability. She acknowledges that challenges and setbacks are inevitable but believes that embracing them as learning experiences fosters growth. This mindset drives her to remain persistent, continuously seek knowledge, and strive for excellence in her work.
She aspires to leave a lasting impact by inspiring authenticity, professionalism, and positivity within the media industry. Joelle envisions being remembered as a journalist who upheld truth, integrity, and ethics—someone who utilized her voice to inform, inspire, and effect meaningful change. Additionally, she advocates for natural beauty, challenging the notion that plastic surgery is necessary for on-screen appeal. To her, true confidence emanates from within, and what truly shines is passion, credibility, and a steadfast commitment to delivering meaningful stories.
A Message to Her Younger Self: Trust the Journey
Reflecting on her experiences, Joelle would advise her younger self to trust the journey, embrace every challenge, and never doubt her potential. She emphasizes that success doesn’t materialize overnight, but perseverance and passion open doors. Her counsel is to remain true to oneself, never compromise values, and always believe in the significance of one’s voice. Most importantly, she encourages enjoying the process, as every experience, even the difficult ones, shapes one into the strong, confident individual they’re destined to become.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Promise
Joelle Habib’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering support. From a young girl with a dream to a professional making waves in the media industry, her journey inspires many. As she continues to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing media landscape, there’s no doubt that Joelle’s future holds even greater accomplishments. Her commitment to authenticity, integrity, and continuous growth positions her as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring journalists and media professionals worldwide. Do follow her on Instagram.
Hotels and Restaurants Roll Out Exclusive Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor Buffets
