Qatar Leadership Academy graduates march into their future

As the end of the school year is approaching for Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) students, the young leaders of the future are confidently taking the first steps into a bigger world.

Students from QLA, that is part of Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, opened up and spoke about their journey in their school. Looking back in gratitude, Nasser Al-Sheraim, a final year QLA student, said: “Joining QLA was like a dream come true. I have always dreamed of becoming a leader no matter which field I’m intending to join.

“I have been through so many experiences during my years at QLA, and I’m proud of everything I have achieved during my time here. I have always been a straight A student and hopefully will get the best grades in my final year with the support of our incredible teachers. On the other hand, I have faced tough challenges during our military trainings as well, such as losing 30 kg in the 18-month duration. But thanks to these training camps, I feel confident in case I decide to join the military.”

Nasser also highlighted that at school he picked up the ability to organize his life and his time in a way that taught him to be independent. “Now, I’m ready to travel solo; without the need of an adult companion.”

Moving into the next phase of life, especially during these extremely trying times, isn’t easy. But that hasn’t stopped Nasser. He says he will not let the current situation affect the choice of college he wishes to pursue his further studies in.

“I’m eager to study military aviation. I believe it’s the major that can best utilize the leadership skills I’ve gained, and it could also fulfill my dream to serve my country. I hope I can be at the campus, but if this isn’t possible, I don’t mind carrying on with online classes until we overcome this situation, which I believe we will do.”

Tameem Al Marri, another young leader from QLA spoke fondly about his years is school. He said that his years at QLA built the person that he is today, and even drew the outlines of his future.

“The military camps and trainings taught me much about myself and got me out of my comfort zone. I remember during our camps in Jordan and in Oman, we used to spend several days in the desert without mobile phones or internet connection; we had to cook for ourselves, wash our clothes and tidy up our tents. Such experiences taught us independence and resilience when we are exposed to pressure.

“It also brought out our hidden qualities, as I never thought I could go on hiking for a full week in the mountains, but with time it became easier, thanks to our trainers and teachers.”

Tameem plans to join the Qatar Amiri Guard and is positive that the world will get through COVID-19.

Another young QLA leader, Falah Al-Badi, described his schooling years as the best days of his life. “It all began with a dream to challenge myself through joining such a unique and untraditional school. Apart from the academics and field experience, the biggest advantage QLA gave me was self-confidence. I never thought I could perform so well as a public speaker, which is something I’m very successfully practicing now in my final year.”

Falah is planning to study mechanical engineering in the university of Michigan and is open and ready for remote learning in case the COVID-19 situation remains unresolved.