A year ago, Sudanese student Fatima Eljak believed her aspiration to study medicine was doomed due to the outbreak of civil war in her country. Trapped in Sudan for four months, she eventually escaped with her father's help, boarding a boat to Jeddah and proceeding to Dubai. On August 15, when the A-Level results were announced, Fatima was thrilled to discover her success. The 19-year-old from GEMS The Westminster School – Dubai secured three A* grades in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, paving her way to study medicine in Bucharest, Romania.
Overwhelmed with joy upon seeing her scores, Fatima expressed her relief to Khaleej Times: “I was terrified and anxious, but I composed myself before opening the results. I’m immensely proud of my achievements, as I dedicated myself to my studies.” Reflecting on her past struggles, she added: “A year ago, my future seemed hopeless amid the war in Sudan. I was stranded there for four months. The closure of the airport made me fear my medical dream was unattainable. Thankfully, my father, who was with the family in the UAE, arranged for my escape via a boat to Jeddah, and I reached the UAE in June 2023.”
Fatima admitted to feeling apprehensive about rejoining her old school, GEMS The Westminster School, due to being a year behind her peers. She also worried about maintaining her academic standards, having always been a top student. “It was my father who convinced me that my old school was the best place for me, and they have been remarkably supportive,” she noted. Fatima celebrated her success with her family, friends, and teachers, and is now set to begin her studies at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine as a freshman.
“Life is filled with challenges,” Fatima observed, “Sometimes, events like being caught in a war can derail your plans, but if you are determined, you will find a path. I am thankful for the support of my parents, teachers, and friends. My goal is to become a neurosurgeon, a journey that will span six years, but I am undeterred. I aim to make my family proud and am grateful to those who will support me in this endeavor.” This year was also significant for GEMS Education, as 1,883 students from 22 schools in the UAE and Qatar participated in a record 5,191 A-level exams, with 26% achieving A* to A grades and 52% securing A* to B grades.
