Early Beginnings in the UAE
When Mayada Daaboul first moved to the UAE as a young girl in grade 3, she never imagined that standing on a school stage would become the foundation of her life’s calling. At that time, her school asked her to present the morning assemblies a simple duty for some, but for her, it was the first step toward building confidence in front of an audience. By the end of the year, she was entrusted with presenting her school’s official graduation ceremony. That single experience did more than just excite her; it planted the first seeds of passion for media, storytelling, and connecting with people through words.
The First Spark of a Dream
By grade 6, Mayada’s vision had already taken shape. While her classmates spoke about wanting to become doctors, engineers, or teachers, she sketched a microphone when asked about her dream career. “Media,” she wrote, and she meant it.
Her determination only grew stronger with time. In grade 8, she received her first camera, and this simple gift became the doorway to creativity. She began experimenting with photography, editing, and filming, soon realizing that this was more than a hobby it was her future. To strengthen her skills, she enrolled in professional editing and filmmaking courses, ensuring that her passion was backed by technical expertise. For Mayada, media wasn’t just a career choice; it was the natural field where her creativity, storytelling, and love for expression could flourish.
Defining Achievement Beyond Fame
In a world where achievement is often measured by fame or money, Mayada holds a different perspective. For her, achievement lies in clarity and passion. Her greatest milestone isn’t a specific award or recognition it is knowing exactly what she wants to do, loving it wholeheartedly, and being able to study and work in the field that excites her.
This perspective keeps her grounded and authentic. It allows her to celebrate small victories, like learning a new skill, building meaningful connections, or completing creative projects, as much as she celebrates bigger milestones in her career.
Overcoming Resistance and Choosing Passion
Mayada’s journey was not without challenges. After graduating with an impressive 99.2%, her teachers and family naturally pushed her toward medicine, a field often considered prestigious and secure. Yet, she knew her heart belonged to media. Instead of following the conventional path, she made the bold decision to pursue her dream, despite the doubts and expectations around her.
Her courage paid off. She earned a 100% scholarship at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC), widely recognized as the top media college in the Middle East. This achievement was more than academic success it was proof that following passion, even against resistance, could open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
First Steps into the Media World
While studying, Mayada didn’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to her. She actively launched her freelancing journey, working on creative projects and developing her professional identity. Soon, she secured a role with Spacetoon Mum as a content creator and assistant producer.
Balancing work with her academic responsibilities was never easy. The pressure of assignments, deadlines, and creative commitments often left her exhausted. But instead of breaking under the pressure, she embraced it as part of her growth. This balancing act strengthened her resilience, discipline, and commitment to her chosen path qualities that continue to define her work ethic today.
A Growing Voice in Digital Media
Today, Mayada is developing her own podcast and strengthening her presence on social media. For her, these platforms are not just spaces to post content but powerful tools to tell authentic stories, share culture, and inspire others.
To support her creative journey, she invests in herself through books, courses, and continuous learning. She believes that every bit of knowledge contributes to her growth as a confident creator, preparing her for a long-term impact in the media industry.
Lessons in Authenticity and Connection
Among the many lessons Mayada has learned, the most valuable is authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships and staying true to oneself. For her, self-love is the foundation of meaningful connections. “When you love yourself, it naturally reflects, and people feel it,” she shares. This philosophy has guided the way she collaborates with others, builds communities, and leaves a positive impact.
Her focus is not only on personal success but also on uplifting others. She wants to create spaces where new voices can shine and where storytelling can inspire, connect, and empower people across the region.
Redefining Storytelling in the Region
Mayada’s vision for the future is ambitious yet deeply rooted in culture and truth. She wants to redefine what authentic storytelling looks like in the Arab world stories that reflect creativity, honesty, and the richness of the region’s traditions.
Through her work, she hopes to prove that media is not just entertainment; it is a powerful tool for change. She wants her legacy to be one of courage of someone who followed her passion fearlessly, challenged expectations, and used her voice to inspire others to embrace their dreams.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If she could speak to her younger self, Mayada would encourage her to start her social media journey earlier, to be consistent in learning and developing, and to build genuine connections along the way. At the same time, she would remind herself to take breaks, prioritize well-being, and cherish family moments. She believes that passion can only be sustained when balanced with self-care and a healthy lifestyle.
This wisdom reflects her maturity and awareness that true success is not about endless work but about balance, authenticity, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
As she continues to build her podcast, grow her online presence, and develop her creative portfolio, Mayada is carving a path that blends passion with professionalism. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from following the safest route, but from listening to your heart, staying resilient in the face of challenges, and building a life around what you truly love.
For young dreamers who feel torn between expectations and passion, Mayada’s journey is proof that choosing your own path though challenging is the most rewarding decision of all.
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