Hi! My name is Mouhamad Damen, I’m 19 years old, and I come from Syria. A few years ago, I had to flee the war in my country and found a new home in France, where I was fortunate enough to gain citizenship. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but it’s made me who I am today.
My Studies
I’m currently studying at an engineering school called JUNIA ISEN in Lille, in the north of France. I’ve just finished my second year, and I’m especially interested in cybersecurity particularly the offensive side, such as penetration testing, ethical hacking, and red teaming. This field excites me because it combines problem-solving, creativity, and purpose helping to make digital systems more secure.
Why Am I Here?
As part of my engineering program, I need to gain international experience by working abroad for several months. I got in touch with a sending organization called Adice, based in Roubaix, France. During our conversations, I told them about my passion for IT and cybersecurity. They introduced me to Rato, and when I heard I could do a volunteering mission in IT with them, I didn’t hesitate I said yes right away!
A Passion Beyond Technology
Outside of my academic journey, I have a deep passion for sports. I enjoy all kinds of physical activity, but I’m especially drawn to the ones that are both physically demanding and mentally challenging. I particularly appreciate sports like martial arts and intense physical preparation training the type that push you to your limits and require real discipline and resilience. For me, sport is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to stay balanced, focused, and constantly evolving.
First Impressions
Before coming, many people told me how beautiful Lisbon and this region are and now that I’m here, I can confirm they were absolutely right. I already love the atmosphere. To get to know the area better, I went for a run monday to explore the surroundings and take in the city. It’s a great feeling to be in a new place with so much to discover.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, I had my first discussion with the Rato team about the potential missions I’ll be working on. I’m already pleased to see that the tasks align well with what I enjoy doing. But I’ll keep the details a surprise for the next blog. Stay tuned!
