The Digital Storytelling Course is a course that teaches students the art of persuasive storytelling. In the course, I learned about the power of using personal anecdotes and experiences in our stories. By sharing our own struggles and triumphs, we were able to connect with the audience on a deeper level and make our stories more impactful. It was for me wonderful to hear other people’s stories and to be able to gain a greater understanding of different experiences and perspectives. However, it was also sad to hear about the hardships that some people have faced.
My story was more about that you should not worry what other people think about you, especially your background. I grew up in a low socioeconomic background and faced many challenges in my life, including discrimination in both my education and job searches. As a person with a foreign name, I was often judged and treated unfairly simply because I was not a “Jonas” but a “Younes”. But despite these hurdles, I never gave up and was able to get multiple degrees, including a double master’s degree. And now, I have a return offer from one of the biggest investment banks in the world, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle.
One of the key things I took away from the course is the importance of getting out of our own bubbles and understanding that there are many people with different experiences and struggles. I may not be able to fully understand their stories, but by being aware of their existence, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. As someone who is currently advising politicians on issues related to low socioeconomic backgrounds and the startup ecosystem, I will always try to incorporate the stories and perspectives of others in my recommendations.
The impact of digital story has been undeniable. After presenting my story to the younger generation, I received numerous emails and messages from people who were inspired by my journey and wanted to learn more about how to create their own path to success. It’s like a domino effect – one person’s story can inspire so many others to take action.
Personally, I enjoy storytelling and appreciate the value of being able to discuss and reflect on different experiences in a safe and respectful environment. This is something that I have learned from my experiences at Erasmus University, specifically at the Rotterdam School of Management and the Erasmus School of Economics. These institutions emphasize the importance of asking the right questions and going deeper in order to find solutions. Sometimes, solutions may not exist, and in those cases, it is important to listen and advocate for the right causes to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.
