At 22 years old, Jalaa Abu Arab (YES 2010-2011, West Bank, hosted by Ayusa in Salem, MO) might not look like the typical Editor-In-Chief. In fact, Jalaa isn’t typical at all! Jalaa is the youngest editor in chief in Palestine.

Though originally from Nablus, it was in her host community in Missouri that Jalaa first built an interest in journalism, thanks to her host family. Jalaa explains, “I lived in a small town called Salem and it had its own local newspaper that was released twice a week, which we don't have here in Palestine, we only have national newspapers that have general goals and news. I was a tennis player back in the my American high school and I remember how my host dad used to cut out the parts where they mentioned my name, and how at the end of the exchange year, he gave them all to me. It was one of the nicest gifts I ever received. My host mom was also working part-time at that local newspaper, which also influenced me. Also, at school, I was a member of many clubs that are interested in writing and filming.”

When Jalaa made her way back to the West Bank to finish high school, she brought her new interest in journalism with her. She then studied for a BA in Public Relations and Communications at An-Najah National University, where she spent time at journalism internships before graduating last year. Jalaa explains, “Before my exchange year, I had no interest in studying journalism or any related field, but when I came back home, it was time to decide what to study in university. Journalism was it. My YES experience gave me the confidence to set my goals and dreams sharply. I studied journalism and I was on the honor list through my four years of university.”

Now, Jalaa is the editor in chief of Dooz, a news agency that focuses exclusively on topics relevant to Nablus and the surrounding area. According to Jalaa, “I heard that my university along with international partners are in the progress of establishing the first local journalism project in Palestine, I jumped in and applied to be a part of it. I started with being a reporter and today I'm the editor in chief of it.”

Throughout her academic career, Jalaa has worked hard to expand her perspective in ways that have led to this prestigious position. She credits the YES program with making the largest impact on her personal and professional experiences. Jalaa says YES gave her a broader perspective to plan her future goals, and it built her confidence, adding, “If I was not a YES student, I think I would never have been able to be what I am today, simply because my exchange year was the only experience which led me to explore my interests and introduced me to another whole life experience.”