Mastan Ali

“I feel proud to be a part of such a distinguished school that has been the stepping stone for so many of us reaching our goals. ISC-Erbil gave me the opportunity to find myself and my interests from a young age, while keeping me academically engaged.

My school equipped me with a base of essential skills, which I successfully used when attending one of the world’s most prestigious universities (Kings College London) and obtaining my postgraduate degree. I received the award for best essay writer in my degree and was commended for my fluency in English. I learned to be a critical thinker and fast learner from early on, which has greatly contributed to my successes. The rigorous academic system we were taught with at ISC-Erbil facilitated a smooth transition from school to university studies. It was not very difficult for me to adjust in the first year of university, and I attribute that back to my hard work and resilience as well as advanced background from ISC-Erbil.

Through the SLO, I built better communication skills, resilience, and responsibility to make a difference in my surroundings. In my university years, I joined many societies and the university’s student union and held an active role to help make a positive difference. I was a university ambassador and represented our university in many events over the course of my studies, just as I had done in my years at ISC-Erbil. Aside from my full-time job as a contracting officer, I work part-time in a non-profit organization, thanks to the sense of philanthropy and teamwork that was deeply imbedded in me in the SLO.

I look back on my school memories fondly. One of my favorite memories was when another student and I were selected to attend a leadership program in Bath, U.K. Another top moment for me would be graduation day; it was so bittersweet to bid everyone farewell, but the excitement of what the future held for each of us after completing school was buzzing through us. Every school activity or trip, every significant exchange with the teachers, every time I shadow taught younger classes, are all meaningful and fulfilling moments from my time at school.”