As part of our ongoing transition program from the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP), we have been conducting a series of reflective sessions with our Grade 10 students. These sessions have focused on helping students identify their strengths and areas for growth, consider their subject choices for the IB Diploma, and explore potential career pathways.
The highlight of this transition program was a special engagement this week on Zoom with Omnya Ragab, a former IB student at the Franconian International School (FIS) in Germany and currently a medical student at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Omnya joined our Grade 10s to share her personal journey through the IB Diploma and into university, offering invaluable real-world insights.
During the session, Omnya explored a range of topics that resonated deeply with our students. She discussed the biggest challenges she faced while doing the IB Diploma and how she overcame them, effective strategies for managing time and workload—especially with demanding subjects like sciences and math—and how she stayed motivated during stressful periods, particularly before major exams. Omnya also shared her experiences transitioning from high school to university, what surprised her most about university life both academically and socially, and common misconceptions about pursuing medicine and other competitive careers.
Our students were able to ask their own questions, including:
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What are the biggest challenges you faced while doing the IB Diploma, and how did you overcome them?
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How did you manage your time and workload, especially with demanding subjects?
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What strategies helped you succeed in both your coursework and exams?
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Can you share what the transition from high school to university was like for you?
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What surprised you most about university life, both academically and socially?
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Are there any mistakes you wish you had avoided during the diploma years?
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How did you stay motivated during stressful periods, especially before major exams?
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What are some common misconceptions about pursuing medicine or other competitive careers?
Omnya’s candid and thoughtful responses provided our students with practical advice and reassurance. Her openness about the realities of the IB Diploma and university life, as well as her encouragement to pursue their goals with resilience and determination, made a significant impact on our Grade 10s.
We are deeply grateful to Omnya for taking the time—especially while preparing for her own medical exams—to support our students and the ABIS community. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, self-belief, and a willingness to ask questions, every student can find their own path to success.
