A Founding Student’s Story: My IB Experience at United Lisbon

“Hello, my name is Rayan Bakkar, and I would like to start off by saying it has been a pleasure to attend United Lisbon International School and an honor to graduate from the institution. Through this school I have met lifelong friends and greatly developed myself. Though this school, I have been able to create memories which will live within me forever. So, I ask myself, where does its magic come from? The answer I found to be in its name, UNITED Lisbon international school. Oxford dictionaries defines united as individuals joined together politically, for a common purpose, or by common feelings. However, in my eyes, we define the word united through our schools’ community. Through unity, we have been able to overcome academic challenge, develop socially and emotionally, and build lifelong friendships.

Two years ago, we had been tasked with a daunting challenge, completing the IB. It seemed impossible at first, but I’m glad to say that we have made it. It was very challenging, but from the challenge we have grown. The most important lesson, with unity nothing is impossible. We must understand and value what has brought us to this point. Yes, grit played a part and so did dedication, however we would not be standing here if we were not united. One team, one vision, one goal united against adversity, through the highs and the lows. I love to give the example of math, economics, or physics, I’m sure Ms.Louw can attest to the fact that to a certain extent we taught one another. Any question, any concern, nobody ever had a doubt that the person next to them will do everything they can to help. That is unity as we lifted one another up and without this help we would not be here. Hence, we can thank our unity for helping us overcome our academic challenges.

I will never forget my first day at ULIS, I had lived my entire life in my home country, Lebanon. Due to the small and unstable nature of the country, I was rarely exposed to foreigners. My old school had one nationality one culture but was still divided, you would be made fun of if you failed or were different. However, in ULIS we foster over 60 nationalities, crazy right, but we are still united. Entering this community I was a scared, just as we all were, however its acceptance its openmindedness gave me the opportunity to grow. I have grown confident in my culture, my perspective, and my abilities. Our unity forces people to be open-minded and creates a safe and healthy environment for growth. You can see that by the speed in which new students enter the community. Our unity means that if you fail, your peers are there to pick you up, and more importantly, no one puts you down. Hence, we were not afraid to experiment socially and emotionally, becoming more comfortable with ourselves as every day passes. This allowed me to take on challenges such as creating the house system, I can see it, not only in myself but in all my peers as well, and the reason this environment exists is that we are all united.

Unity, a beautiful thing which we have had the chance to enjoy during our time in this magical place, will be something to strive for forever. All I know is that any group as united as we are can achieve great things, just as we have, and our unity will keep us together as the years go on. My ending note, always strive for unity wherever you end up as we have seen what it looks like and what it can achieve, making it our duty to show the world.”

Rayan Bakkar, Class of 2025