Introducing Amala High School Diploma Student: Asea
Asea is originally from Somalia. Upon arriving in Jordan in 2012, she enrolled in a local school where she quickly picked up an interest in Chemistry and Biology. Not wanting to give up on her ambitions, Asea decided to apply for the Amala High School Diploma Programme (AHSD).
Since the start of the AHSD Asea believes she is already becoming more “self-aware” as well as “confident” in sharing her thinking with others. Being part of a diverse group of learners has also exposed her to a wider variety of perspectives, enabling Asea to become more “open-minded”. While she currently aspires to go on to study medicine at university, Asea also recognises that these qualities will prove valuable in a wide range of fields and professions.
Asea’s interests may shift throughout the AHSD, but she will always be driven by her compassion. Despite carrying her own burdens, Asea strives to support others around her - just as others, especially her family, have done for her. When Asea came home from school feeling defeated and frustrated, her family’s encouragement gave her the strength to persevere. When Asea was asked to help younger Somalian refugees with their schoolwork, she gave them her time and attention.
In her free time, Asea also loves to read and exercise. She particularly enjoys reading about science and personal development. Practising taekwondo leaves Asea feeling relaxed, doing Zumba allows her to feel energised, and playing volleyball is one of her favourite ways to spend time with her friends.
Asea also set aside time to learn things outside the Jordanian high school curriculum; for instance, she completed a course in first aid through Edraak, a Massive Open Online Course platform. Her initiative is another asset that will allow her to make the most of the AHSD. Even Asea’s favourite lesson - a class centred around goal-setting - gives us an insight into her drive and focus. Students like Asea who are motivated to pursue their aspirations regardless of the challenges they face are a huge inspiration to the Amala team.
Asea believes that studying in English will open up more opportunities for employment and higher education. She is also excited about the AHSD’s targeted pathways advising, which will help her navigate through the programme and find future opportunities.
Asea, we are looking forward to getting to know you better over the coming months!
On our blog, we will continue to highlight more pioneering diploma programme learners and their thoughts on the programme so far. We also wrote about our fantastic facilitation team here.
