I was fifteen years old when I decided to learn how to drive a bus. I got behind the wheel of that big vehicle and started driving. I cannot describe to you the happiness I felt at that time.

The handlebar was half my height and my heart was beating fast. My little foot could barely reach the accelerator pedal.

My name is Samia Abu Alqam, and I am a mother of three born in the United States of America. My dream was to drive buses, and I did everything I could to make it happen. I pursued it with all my passion.

After more than thirty years of driving buses in America, I acquired high skills and extensive experience that made me surpass many of my colleagues in the profession.

I didn't forget how afraid I was of driving in heavy traffic, and how difficult it was for me to reverse. But I proceeded without hesitation towards my goal until I achieved it.

Today, at fifty years old, when I look at myself, I feel a great sense of pride and gratitude towards my father, who raised me to be independent and fueled within me a love of ambition and hard work.

A year ago, I had to go back to my hometown in the town of Shuafat, north of Jerusalem. I started thinking about how I would drive a bus in an Arab society and saw for the first time a woman driving a bus. How would I break into a male-dominated profession?

However, I did not give up. I applied to work for a bus company and started practicing my profession with the same passion that I had always had.

I remember the first time I went out to drive the bus on the streets of Jerusalem. The signs of astonishment and amazement were clear on people's faces, and their looks were full of question marks.

If they had spoken, they would have asked me, "Who are you? How can you do this? Aren't you ashamed? Isn't this a profession for men?" I faced direct and indirect harsh criticisms, but I managed to overcome them and make society accept me as I am.

It was not an easy period at all. My husband and daughter supported me as much as they could and stood firmly behind me, encouraging me to continue in my beautiful profession.

I was proudly the first lady in Palestine to drive buses, breaking the stereotype of women working in limited fields and inspiring me to aspire for more. I will not stop pursuing my passion and will continue to seek to develop myself further.

In conclusion, I want to say a word to all the girls and women who have a dream but face societal barriers: "Success has an irreplaceable taste. You feel it when you forcefully grab your chance from life. Ambition is one of life's secrets. Keep it and stand firmly behind your dream."