Our graduation will not be the last time you will be proud of us: Awsaj Academy graduates

“I waited to graduate from school all my life, and when I graduated, I did not want this wonderful phase of my life to end.”

This is how Abdulaziz Al Yafei, a graduate of Awsaj Academy, part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, describes his graduation day – that, for him, will not be forgotten.

“Although the graduation was virtual, I was able to celebrate it from home with my family, which allows me to see the joy and the pride on my parents’ faces.”

The years in Awsaj Academy was full of challenges, but Al Yafei was able to overcome them all due to his self-confidence and his desire to challenge himself.

“I love challenges because they refine my experience and enhance my confidence. One of the projects in Awsaj Academy was the presentation of live broadcasts by students in groups, and I wanted to challenge myself and present a live broadcast by myself. I worked hard and I won five out of the nine awards,” he says.

Al Yafei also adds that student trips abroad also played a big role in developing his personality. “We represented our country around the world, and I gained a lot of knowledge and skills.”

His ambition is to pursue a career in the field of computer engineering. “I have joined a mission with Qatar Petroleum, and I would like to study computer engineering, to contribute to building the future of my country.”

Al Yafei says he wants to prove to all his teachers and his parents who believed in him that he is worthy of their trust, by being an example of a student who seeks change and make a positive impact in society.

Although graduation is a dream come true for Fahad Al Abdulla, another graduate of Awsaj Academy, he says that his graduation is just the start of many more new dreams.

“Today, I am preparing to enter my university with confidence, and specialize in a field I love, which is psychology,” Al Abdulla says.

He notes that the role of each graduate is to serve the community, and he chose the field of psychology because of the need, in Qatar, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and change the stigmas around certain mental illnesses.

At Awsaj Academy, Al Abdulla was able to benefit from his experiences as they had a direct impact on his academic and personal development. He is also a member of the Qatari national athletics team and will join a Canadian university that includes this sport, as he seeks to enhance his skills until he can represent Qatar at the Olympics.

“I learned in Awsaj Academy that every dream is achievable, and that self-confidence is the biggest motivator for us towards success. So, I strive to be a champion in athletics.”

Al Abdulla’s mother highlights that her son has been able to achieve great progress due to the specialized programs and the wonderful educators at Awsaj Academy.

“Fahad benefited from all the opportunities provided at Awsaj Academy, such as training courses, projects and the opportunity to travel abroad, plus the various programs such as sports, swimming and basketball, which helped him refine his personality and highlight his leadership skills.”

Al Abdulla’s mother says she cannot describe her pride in her son’s graduation. “When I talk to him, I realize how much he has matured and grown, and how much his personality has developed. He has worked hard and what he is today is the result of all that.”