alumni stories

I am currently in the beautiful city of Oxford; England, where I have just finished my second out of four years of studying Engineering at the University of Oxford, with a focus on Electronics and Software. During the summer, I am engaged in a research internship where I am helping a University Laboratory explore the implications and possible applications of Ultrasonic Cavitation and am also enjoying my time rowing with the Boat club of my college (Balliol College) where I am the incumbent Captain of the Men&rsquo;s side.<br />
At GEMS, and more specifically GEMS World Academy &ndash; Dubai, I was taught two traits which I now appreciate to be two of the most valuable in my proverbial toolset. First, a sense of discipline and work ethic which has such far granted me the luxury of being able to absorb a broad realm and depth of information and skills quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Secondly, the ability to productively manage my time. I have learnt that these two traits were just as important as my subject knowledge in helping me throughout my journey as a high school student, and in combination I harnessed them to maximize to the best of my ability not only my academic outcomes but also my extracurricular passions and my quality of life.

When it comes to school as well as university, you choose your subjects and your focus based on your passions and your interests, the smartest and most fulfilled and successful individuals I know pursued these from the second they knew it&rsquo;s what they wanted to do. Whether you love Engineering, Cars, Music, Chemistry, or any other discipline on this planet, if you find a way to tie that into what you learn in school, or what you do outside of school, working hard becomes a hobby and in that way a passion can become a profession.&nbsp; - Markus Baumgartner<br />
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My name is Renata Bafaloukou and I am originally from Greece. I graduated from the Academy in 2018. I am now completing my third year as an undergraduate Computer Science student in Queen Mary University of London and I am planning on graduating in the Spring of 2021. I moved to Dubai when I was 16 and completed my last two years of high school and the IB Diploma at the Academy. When I first joined, I was scared I wouldn’t be able to fit in since I assumed that groups had already been formed and that I’d be seen as an outsider. This definitely was not the case. 

I graduated from GEMS World Academy in 2018. I am currently studying to obtain a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Laws at IE university in Madrid, Spain. I have attended IE for two years and started my third year in September. I received consistent help from the Academy throughout my time there. I was able to discuss my university prospects with the counselors and many of my teachers. They ensured that I was personally and academically prepared for university and further studies. The leadership team in the school in specific helped me to get into IE as they advised me throughout the application process, and revised my scholarship essays. Furthermore, Mr. Kamal Taskin was a great help to me as he pushed me to find the financial aid, I needed to be able to attend IE and even recommended me for the IE Foundation GEMS Scholarship. This scholarship has allowed me to study for the past two years and is the reason I will be able to complete my 5-year degree.

My name is Maha Nasser, I am Lebanese and I graduated from GEMS World Academy in 2017. I recently just finalized my last year at the American University of Beirut, graduating with distinction and achieving a BA in Political Science with a Minor in International Law. I was at the Academy from 2013 till 2017, completing my 4 years of high school there. The Academy allowed me to expand on my skills both inside and outside the classroom, allowing me to develop myself as an individual and a student. I never felt like I couldn’t ask for help, whether it be from the counselors or from my own teachers, I always felt like assistance was given easily and kindly. I was consistently pushed to be the best I could possibly be whether it be in any of my extra-curricular activities or during class time. I want to thank all my teachers, specifically my English and Global Politics teachers because they were a great influence on who I was then and who I am now. The lessons I learned in all my classes helped me excel greatly in university. And to all the staff and management, thank you for being so nice and accommodating.

Joining GEMS World Academy in the 9th grade back in 2015, I was apprehensive, as this would be my first time ever moving schools. However, my doubts soon faded as the staff couldn’t have been more supportive and welcoming. Through the Academy's numerous initiatives to help enrich the student body’s quality of life, such as the Week Without Walls program and the numerous entrepreneurial initiatives that weren’t offered in my previous school, I have broadened my horizons on what it means to be an exemplary student and a good member of society, deviating from my original view that sleepless nights of cramming textbooks were the only way in which a student could succeed in their education.

My name is Ayat Adala, I am from Libya and I graduated from GEMS World Academy Dubai in 2020. I have studied at the Academy for 9 years and I am currently studying LLB Law at Queen Mary University of London. I always felt very comfortable in the Academy. My teachers were kind and patient and this allowed me to express any questions or queries that I had with complete certainty that I would be supported. The teachers and staff are the most supportive people I have met and they always want you to achieve your absolute best. I feel like the Academy has helped me a lot not just in my studies, but in building life skills such as the importance of time management, organization and mental health. The teachers are amazing, always helping and understanding no matter what the case. Ms. Murphy is a great example of this; she always made her office a safe space for me, and Ms. Rania was always there to listen and support me when I needed. I couldn’t have completed it without their help, and the support of all of my teachers.

My name is Jinan Bakir, and I am a Jordanian student who graduated from GEMS World Academy in 2017. I am currently completing my final year of an undergraduate Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Reading, England. I was a student at the Academy since 2011 (Grade 6). Attending the Academy for an extended period was very beneficial; the staff never failed to help and guide me whenever I needed it. Going to university overseas was a life-changing experience that I can confidently say I was well prepared for. This is I no small part thanks to the teachers that helped equip me with the necessary skills throughout the IBDP programme. I was able to exceed academically, socially and was prepared emotionally for the next stage of my studies. I want to thank Miss Rencontre for establishing the passion that I have for biology and helping me understand the subject in ways that are still beneficial to me today. I would also like to thank Mr. Kinkead and Miss Rania for always looking out for me and ensuring that I stay on top of my work. The helped me organise my time and always pushed me to work harder. Lastly, I would like to thank the counsellors and IB coordinators that helped us apply to universities, write personal statements and their overall efforts to prepare us for the world as independent adults.