Dar Jana Alumni

I am Mohammed Al Sailani. I Graduated from school year: 2012-2013 I joined University of Colorado, Eindhoven University of Technology, von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics majoring Applied Fluid Dynamics/ Architectural Engineering My Future career: Wind/ Air Quality Engineer Recently i published 3 journal papers and received a fellowship for one-year training at von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics

My name is Mohammad Jamal Al Khazendar, and I am a former DJIS graduate of the 2019 batch. I am currently studying in Istanbul, Turkey, at Bahcesehir University. I am proud to say that ever since I graduated and moved to Turkey, I have been very grateful for all the time I spent studying in DJIS because of how helpful the curriculum we used to take is. First of all, my time in DJIS made it very easy for me to deal with people who came from multiple different international backgrounds, Second, the material given us in the university was all taught well in DJIS by our lovely teachers, and it has helped me overcome many of the obstacles other students struggle with because of the former schools. All in all, I can say that I am very pleased and proud to be a DJIS graduate, and I am forever grateful for how I keep benefiting from my time in DJIS.

I am Fares Wali. I graduated from DJIS in 2011. I joined Coventry University, Athabasca University, and Cranfield University to complete my studies respectively in BSc Electromechanical Engineering, BGS Arts & Sciences, and MSc Manufacturing (Global Product Development & Management) Currently I am Functional Consultant - Odoo MENA DMCC, Dubai, UAE Memory from DJIS: The Orange Day ( The whole school was wearing one color ) To the new generation at DJIS I would like to say: : Invest some time in extracurricular activities, learn new things outside school, and meet people outside your bubble (minding social distancing guidelines) In September 2020, I defended my thesis about the "Future of Maintenance" for my MSc in Manufacturing (Global Product Development and Management) from Cranfield University One more thing: Not everything works out like you plan at 16/17, however, things always have a way of sorting themselves out. Don’t get stuck on things that won’t matter in 5 years.

“Times New Roman? Check. Font size 12? Check. Time to work.” Do not let anyone fool you: medical school is not as hard as you think it is, at least for me. After leaving DJIS, I saw my confidence and presence really take over as I approach a new world, literally. My time in Poland has been nothing short of successful and motivating. Being in control of myself and my future puts life into perspective, especially when my future job would be saving lives. One would think medical school is too much work, but here I am, typing this in my free time, also as elected president of the first-year medical students. Taking up all the courses that DJIS presented gave me the experience and flexibility to partake in multiple scientific subjects such as Anatomy, Histology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, and some elective subjects like Music and Communication in medicine. The courses that we learned in school gave us a broad perspective of the different routes we can take in life, so do not trivialize the number of courses we used to take. Humble yourselves and achieve accordingly, as a horse never leaps higher than it needs to. Finally, a piece of advice from experience and hard work: it’s all about mentality. When you perceive your work as huge and intimidating, you will never perfect it. Grow your confidence and live a healthy life: you WILL thank your past self. Karim Zinalddin

During my two years since leaving Dar Jana International School, I have found myself surrounded by new yet familiar experiences. I graduated class of 2020, and am now in my Sophomore year of my undergraduate program pursuing a Bachelor’s of Business Administration while specializing in Finance at the Ohio State University. My first year was purely online and did not seem like the full experience I was looking for. The second year; however, has been going a lot better. My time at Dar Jana International School has been very fruitful due to my participation in extracurricular activities such as: Model UN, Student Council, and the Debate Team. I will always remember Dar Jana whenever I remember my origins. As I move forward with my career in the business industry, I keep finding myself utilizing the skills I acquired during my high school time in Jeddah. The last two years of my undergraduate program will mainly be focused on applying to internship opportunities to secure myself a job in the Investment Banking industry upon graduation. This is Omar Kouatli.

Graduating from Dar Jana was bittersweet. After 12 years of school, a new journey is awaiting me— university. I was not sure whether I would be accepted to my dream university in the first place. In fact, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals only accepts the top 2% of Saudi High School Graduates. Dar Jana’s rigorous program enabled me to be admitted to KFUPM, skip the preparatory year, and be prepared for all engineering freshman courses. Not only that, but Dar Jana’s extensive extracurricular activities equipped me with the necessary skills to lead a multitude of initiatives inside and outside KFUPM, including starting my freelance business planning career. With all that said, what makes Dar Jana extraordinary is its faculty. They always pushed me to be better, do more, and always pursue what I want in life. They developed a life-lasting attitude in me to always be the best in whatever I put my mind to. Through my experience I realized that Dar Jana does not only prepare students for college, but it prepares them for life. Abdulmohsen Fakih

No matter how far I go and how many people I meet my heart will always search for the people I’ve met in Dar Jana, whether teachers or friends. My name is Laila Alzahrawi, and my journey at Dar Jana began when I was in 2nd grade and ended with my unforgettable graduation from high school in 2018. This journey was full of laughter and tears, failures and successes. Dar Jana was never an ordinary school for me, it was a second home that I never wanted to leave. As an academically wonderful and environmentally diverse school, Dar Jana provided me with really beneficial skills that I believe I still continue to use such as intellect and coherence. Studying at a well-known and high-ranking university made me understand that all the efforts our teachers exerted were to prepare us for our upcoming challenging journey. I am currently a 4th-year Chemical and Biological Engineering student at Koç University. Now that my university journey is almost coming to an end, I can say that I am very lucky to have graduated from Dar Jana and that I am so thankful to my parents and teachers for all their hard work and help.

My name is Dena Al Taiar and one of the most crucial lessons I've learned from DJIS is that hard effort pays off. I would have complained about the hefty workload we were given a few years ago, but now I am grateful for the advanced education I received. I'm at peace knowing that my degree necessitates a high level of writing proficiency since I know that all of my years at Dar Jana have prepared me for this. Every writing assignment I dreaded completing turned out to be crucial in molding me into an extraordinary media, communication, and sociology student at the City, University of London. DJIS has assisted me in improving and developing talents that have shown to be quite beneficial in the long term. Every assignment, instructor, and exam contributed to the development of my character and academic level. I went from being an ordinary student in the school to becoming one of the best students at my university. I owe it all to Dar Jana for instilling in me all of the skills and qualities I possess today.

“As an individual who spent 12 years at DJIS and graduated in 2020, I cherish all my memories with friends who ended up becoming more than sisters. The school provided a fruitful environment to learn and advance myself in a multidimensional way. Currently, I am a Medical student at Fakeeh College of Medical Sciences. The educational framework that DJIS curated set the needed foundation which led to my first year at college passing like a breeze. Dar Jana will always have a special place in my heart because it made me the Sirin Ajam I am today.”

"Hi! My name is Nadeen Nawar, and I am a DJIS graduate (class of ’20). I am currently a sophomore at Rutgers University studying cell biology and neuroscience on the pre-med track. The further I go into my academic career, the more I am grateful for the education I received at Dar Jana. Due to the caliber of DJIS’ curriculum, I was able to finish my general education classes like biology, chemistry, and calculus with top grades. This allowed me to land a teaching job and intern at a lab. I am proud to be a part of the DJIS alumni community and cannot wait to see what my fellow alumni and current DJIS students will achieve!"

Hi! My name is Dana Alkhayat, I was a part of the DJIS graduating class of 2020. Shortly after that, I was accepted into the Product Design Department at Effat University. And since then, it has been a positive snowball effect. I became one of the top students in my major because of the many skills that Dar Jana trained me for. I am fully prepared to write publishable research papers, equipped with a strong vocabulary, and have excellent presentation skills. Shockingly enough, the seminars conducted in DJIS English classes taught me extremely important public speaking skills, and that was proven right because I was chosen to be a speaker in Adhlal to talk about future design. Dar Jana built my character and my confidence, and I can proudly say being a student there paved my way to success!

Aside from learning to read, write, and flourish in academics, school is where we lay the groundwork for our knowledge and ethics. My name is Jana Al Hindi. I am a DJIS alumna and a Law student at the University of Bristol. Law school significantly requires reading, writing, creative problem-solving, and research skills. Dar Jana played a vital role in shaping my knowledge and adapting all these skills. Each exam, assignment, and course contributed to my understanding of the basics of becoming a successful university student. While Dar Jana was stressful and arduous at times, I now realize that the challenge was there for a purpose. The better you excel in high school, the more advantages you'll have for college to explore and prepare for the future higher education that is to follow. I now write multiple essays weekly, evaluate multiple texts, and flourish in a class full of students from various educational backgrounds.

Sitting in a class with different students coming from different educational backgrounds makes me realize how greatly Dar Jana has helped me prepare for University. I now realize that my transition from High School to University went very smoothly, and I am able to keep up with my work. A few weeks ago, I scored the highest in my class on my business management exam and realized Dar Jana's efforts to push their students to succeed and give them a drive to exceed expectations.

Hi, I am Raghida, and I graduated from DJIS in 2021. After graduation, I began my studies in Northern England. I study law at Durham University. The experience so far has been absolutely amazing. One of the strongest skills DJIS prepared me for was research. I’ve come to realize that the school has surpassed many others in equipping us with advanced knowledge that will be essential once we arrive at university. I wish nothing but the best to all future graduates and hope to come and visit DJIS soon!

Hello, my name is Lamar AlSubhi, I’m from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and I was part of the DJIS 2021 graduating class. I’m currently studying at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. I’m majoring in Computer Science and minoring in English and Philosophy. To say that DJIS prepared me for the hectic college life is an understatement. I’m very happy to see the results of all my hard work. I’m grateful for all the resources that DJIS provided me with and all of the support from the faculty. At DJIS, I formed a work ethic that has made the transition to college as smooth as it can be. DJIS gave me such a unique high school experience with some of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I would like to add a special thank you to my college counselor Mrs. Tamara Wehbi for always supporting me.

My name is Sarah Aboureida, and I'm in my first year of medicine at Alexandria University. I feel privileged to have graduated from DJIS given all the help it has offered me after the special time I spent in it. It has obviously aided me academically, where I continue to utilize what I've learned in high school. This includes the scientific knowledge I already have during my university lectures and the writing and research skills I use in assignments. Adjusting to college has become a step easier thanks to that. DJIS also assisted me in developing certain qualities like time management and social skills that are proving to be essential in college. As I unravel this new chapter of my life, I keep being reminded of my school along the way and acknowledging its helpful impact.

Dar Jana International School was definitely more than just a place where I received my diploma. Looking back now, Dar Jana was a constructive journey, a marathon, and at times, a rollercoaster. My name is Layan Kassas, I can proudly say that I go to Ankara University, and I study Pharmacy. To begin with, I was surprised to see that my medical biology, physics, and calculus courses were all things I was familiar with from high school. Trust me when I say that I deeply missed my notes and copybooks every single day. I would like to especially thank the school for the wide variety of student clubs available. At first, extracurricular activities were just something I wanted in my portfolio, but now, I cannot express how much I was able to blossom and enhance my ability to initiate social impacts. Currently, I am working on establishing Dar Jana’s PAL Program in my faculty, in addition to Model UN. I remember when my friends and I used to discuss how stressful Dar Jana was, and every time, our beloved AQCs gave us the same answer, “This is all going to make university life smoother.” Of course, at the time, it was difficult to draw the picture and understand how it could possibly help. However, after getting to Ankara University a whole month later than the rest of my classmates, I can confidently say that Dar Jana International School is a significant reason for my ability to catch up with my lectures and pass my exams, which were only 14 days away at the time. Our AQCs really did know what they were talking about. For that, I thank Dar Jana International School. I will forever be grateful to my parents for enrolling me in DJIS in addition to supporting me throughout the years.

Each one of my years at DJIS has sculpted my personality and defined my goals and priorities in such a way that I’ve found that the skills I’ve developed – managing time, working under stress, creatively tackling assignments, having the courage and confidence to engage in activities collaboratively and competitively – have not only enabled me to tackle educational challenges but have also played a role in important aspects of my ability to manage my life efficiently. My transition to college life was particularly smooth; my experience with actively interacting with the curriculum at DJIS and not being afraid to put in hard work to meet educational standards acted as a steadfast cushion to the initial shock of the change, and I was able to acclimate quickly. In retrospect, I’m thankful for every part of my journey and the lessons it instilled in me.

I enrolled in Dar Jana when I was in 5th grade and fortunately for me, it was one of the best decisions I have ever taken. In less than a month, I’m going to be attending King’s College London and majoring in Law, which has been a lifelong dream of mine. Being able to be a student at Dar Jana for 8 years is truly one of my biggest blessings. The teachers, students, faculty, and the school as a whole have shaped me and turned me into the person I am today. Dar Jana gave me the ability to become the best version of myself, and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. Thank you to everyone in Dar Jana for the best and most educational 8 years of my life. Dar Jana truly felt like a second home.

My name is Hala Shadi Al Swaifee, and I will be majoring in Cinematic Arts at Effat. Having Miss Tamara’s guidance was valuable to me, especially when I had inquiries about equivalency tests and university requirements. Her assistance made a significant difference in my journey, and I’m truly grateful. Thank you once again for all your help and support.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and honor for being a DJIS graduate. I am proud to inform you that I am currently pursuing my passion for medicine as a pre-medicine student at the University of Jeddah, studying health sciences in my preparatory year. Since I started university, I noticed how much I've flourished mentally and academically. Thanks to the AP seminar, I've noticed that I gained many essential skills, including leadership, communication, and presentation skills. Thanks to you, I’ve been taught to respect deadlines, work effectively under pressure, and many other essential skills that made me stand out! This made me realize how lucky I am to have gone through this wonderful learning journey! I am extremely glad that I didn't give up on this journey despite how difficult it was. After seeing the outcome, I have forgotten about all the challenging times and I realized it was extremely worth it! Finally, a message to my fellow DJIS students, please don’t give up, and always keep fighting for your dreams! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I genuinely wish everyone there the best!

DJIS provided me with an exceptional curriculum that helped me grasp knowledge not readily available in other schools. The well-rounded education I received gave me a strong foundation in several subjects, primarily in the quantitative and mathematics fields, while also broadening my understanding of topics beyond my area of study. I am truly grateful for the school’s dedication to academic excellence, which has greatly contributed to my intellectual growth and curiosity.

To my fellow peers at DJIS, whether you have just started your journey or are planning for your next chapter in life, I pray that your steps be those taken in stride and that your hopes and dreams come to fruition. You are part of a very lucky group of individuals. Make use of the opportunities around you, for the seeds you choose to plant today will bear fruits that feed your children tomorrow.

Dar Jana International School was a vital part of my college journey. The foundation that was put in me from DJIS helped me in college massively. Don’t think that the hard work and tough journey will be lost. You will find it very useful when you start college.

Dar Jana helped me the most in getting ready for my foundation year during my university venture and maximized my soft and English skills. To the future graduates, cherish these great moments and be grateful for the exceptional teachers that made us the men we are today.

The quality of learning pushed me ahead of my colleagues in university and made me used to doing my best.

Honestly, DJIS was by far the best scholarly institution I’ve ever been to! I excel in every educational journey because of how strong my discipline is, thanks to Dar Jana. I remember we used to always have speeches about Dar Jana students excelling in university because they stand out, and it could not be more correct. Dar Jana is the place to be to have great discipline, motivation, and respect.

DJIS played a huge role in preparing me for the real world. From education to discipline, DJIS instilled in me the ability to think outside the box, strive for excellence, and leave a mark in everything I do. At the time, I didn’t realize how much these lessons would shape my future, but looking back, I can proudly say they were the foundation of my success. Today, I am honored to be working on multiple projects across Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, Riyadh, NEOM, Red Sea, AlUla, and beyond. None of this would have been possible without the strong educational roots I built at DJIS. To my fellow DJIS students, embrace every lesson, because one day, you’ll look back and realize how valuable they truly were.

Djis shaped me as a person before it shaped me as a doctor. It taught me leadership, teamwork, social skills, and the importance of taking action. But more than anything, it gave me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. It also pushed me to rise above the doubts of students and teachers who assumed I was lazy, when in reality, I was just efficient. Quality always beats quantity.

Looking back at my time spent at DJIS, I remember questioning the difficulty of our curriculum. Why is it that I need to demand so much more from myself as a DJIS student as compared to students from other high schools? Upon starting my college degree, I remember feeling grateful to all the teachers and faculty for the lessons and mannerisms they taught me. I vividly remember studying certain subjects in such great detail that I had enough of a basic understanding to tackle complex ideas in my medicine degree. Life is more than just about grades and report cards, it's about forming a personality that can leave a positive impact on one's community and I can say with confidence that DJIS helped shape me into the person I am today, allowing me to help my community and leave a positive mark of my own. Whether you're just starting out at DJIS or about to graduate, make the most of your time and truly allow yourself to connect with the people around you. Our community is one of a kind, and if you play your cards right, it will make you a one-of-a-kind person.

DJIS provided me with a strong foundation that shaped my growth, equipping me with the skills and mindset to navigate the future with confidence. The lessons I learned and the experiences I gained continue to guide me in every step I take.

DJIS was not just a school for academics, but it was an experience. If it wasn't for the great characters within the teacher, I doubt I would have been who I am today. This is not an experience I can write on a CV, but it is part of my memory and soul. University taught me engineering skills, but the teachers in DJIS taught me to be courageous, outstanding, and charismatic.

DJIS played a significant role in helping me choose my career pathway. From hosting programs like the MUN, hosting leading universities and career fairs, and teachers taking the time to speak to us about our interests, DJIS helped prepare us for the universities and the next step.

They always say that the first year of university is the most important for shaping your GPA and getting to know everything. DJIS actually prepared me so well that I was overqualified for the majority of my first-year courses. Beyond that, DJIS equipped me with the presentation and soft skills needed to convey professionalism and enthusiasm effectively to an audience. Finally, no matter how much pressure or workload we faced at DJIS, it made the challenges of university feel normal and manageable.

DJIS taught me a lot of things, but most importantly, it taught me manners and how to be respectful to my teachers and colleagues. I was taught by some of the best teachers in all subjects, which made me a well-rounded and educated student. I am grateful and proud to be a DJIS graduate.

My time at DJIS was incredibly formative. The supportive environment and caring teachers fostered a love for learning and personal growth. DJIS equipped me with the skills and confidence to use during my university time and after. To current students, embrace every moment! This is your foundation for a bright future!

Dar Jana has helped me excel in fields such as the sciences and maths that have helped have a head start during my freshman year at college, which allowed me to focus on other activities that allowed me to excel in my career later on. I highly recommend creating a LinkedIn profile and networking early on in your career to make the most out of the opportunity. Also please feel free to reach out to me with any questions in the future.

Focus on your soft skills and keep it up!

Being a student at DJIS was a transformative experience that played a pivotal role in shaping my future. I had a supportive community and dedicated teachers who helped me grow. I cherish the friendships and memories made. To the current and future DJIS students, embrace every opportunity and remember that the values and knowledge you gain here will serve as the foundation for your future success.

DJIS has prepared me to handle pressure and how to push myself to study in a better way. Everything in our curriculum and especially the AP courses have prepared me for my university courses and gave me a good background on them. Moreover, DJIS has taught me how important having connections with people is, especially the connection we had with our teachers and the people in high positions in school. In my last weeks of senior year, DJIS have also made a small group of my classmates and I represent the school for an accreditation in COGNIA which helped me even know our school more and know how much effort is put into everything we have and done in school that made us reach the our maximum potential before graduating. I am so grateful for all the 14 years spent in DJIS for everything the school has taught us and the level we reached academically before graduating.

DJIS played a crucial role in shaping my future, especially through its advanced mathematics curriculum, which gave me a strong foundation for tackling complex problems in industrial engineering and computer science during college. Additionally, attending different MUN conferences and Model Congress in Sharjah exposed me to important global issues and taught me how to articulate my thoughts effectively. This experience significantly improved my public speaking and communication skills, which have been essential for both academic and professional settings.