Hi, my name is Ahmad, and I’m a graduate student filmmaker at Syracuse University.

This summer, I’ve been given a rare opportunity to travel to Normandy, France to work on a World War II documentary—on location, where history actually happened.

Studying abroad was a lifelong goal of mine, but the COVID-19 pandemic took that opportunity away when I was an undergraduate. I never thought I’d get another chance. Now, through my graduate program, that door has reopened—and this time, the experience directly aligns with my future as a documentary filmmaker.

In Normandy, I’ll be working on a professional documentary set and documenting the journey itself, creating a recap film for Syracuse to inspire future students. This is hands-on, real-world storytelling—exactly the kind of experience that shapes careers in film and media.

I’m raising funds to cover my program costs, travel, housing, and meals so that finances don’t stand in the way of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Any support—big or small—directly helps me take part in this meaningful educational experience.

If you believe in the power of storytelling, history, and investing in creative futures, I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for helping me turn a second chance into something lasting.