.jpg?h=3860&iar=0&w=5790&rev=9fdfc6f106cc4a8e9fbcc3a35d868d6f&hash=AA735FDBE89706FE59A31A29B9E85245 "Samsara's Journey of Dedication: 15 Years of Learning, Competing and Growing at BIS Abu Dhabi")
From her very first days in Nursery to her final moments as an IB Diploma graduate, Samsara has spent 15 years growing, learning, and thriving at BIS Abu Dhabi. A true BISAD Baby, she has left a lasting mark not only in the classroom, but across courts, fields and swimming pools. As she reflects on her school journey, Samsara shares how sport became a constant companion, shaping her character, building resilience, and offering balance alongside academic success. Now, as she prepares to study Material Science at the University of Manchester, she looks back on the moments, challenges and achievements that made her school experience truly unforgettable.
Samsara’s sporting story began early, joining the school’s swimming team in Year 2. At the time, the team needed more swimmers, and the coach knew she could swim—her older sister Tamsin was already on the team. Thrown straight into competition, Samsara remembers how nervous she felt at that first match. Back then, the school still used a small 16m pool until the Team Falcon facility opened nine years ago. Adjusting to the full 25m lengths was a challenge she still vividly remembers, but it became part of her development as an athlete.
Over the years, Samsara didn’t just stick to swimming. She played Netball and Football, joined BSME Dance for two years, and even tried Basketball briefly in Year 4. She competed in nearly every BSME event available - U11, U13, and U19- only missing U15 due to the COVID pandemic.
Through it all, sport taught her valuable life lessons, from time management and staying organised, to using training as a way to mentally reset and stay balanced.
This last term brought a particularly meaningful moment when she won her first swimming trophy at the BSME Championships at Dubai’s Hamdan Sports Complex. Achieving third place in her age group based on FINA points, it was a proud moment that summed up years of hard work—and a perfect way to end her time as a school athlete.
While swimming has always held a special place in her heart, Samsara also loved the team spirit of Netball. Being part of a team, celebrating victories together and playing in sync, offered something uniquely rewarding. Swimming, with its individual focus, gave her quiet strength and mental clarity, but team sports brought a sense of connection and shared purpose.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. As one of only two girls continuing swimming training from Year 9 and up, it could sometimes feel isolating, and frustrating to see boys swimming faster, even when she was putting in just as much effort. But Samsara reminded herself that everyone has different strengths, and perseverance was key.
She also faced a moment in Football when she considered quitting after not being selected for matches despite regular training. Encouraged by a friend who believed in her, she chose to keep going, a decision that paid off when she played one of her best games at a tournament earlier this year.
One of her favourite school memories is winning the BSME U19 competition two years ago, the first and only time BIS Abu Dhabi has taken home that title. Being one of the youngest on the team, and competing alongside her sister, made it even more special.
The school celebrated with a parade through the hallways and across the field, with students and staff cheering them on. Samsara remembers younger students coming up to her afterwards, saying they recognised her from the team. It was a full-circle moment, thinking back to when she looked up to older students and felt inspired by them. Now, she hopes to have played that same role for someone else.
Samsara is excited to continue her sporting journey alongside her studies. The University of Manchester pool is right next to the engineering building and even used by the British Olympic Team, which she finds incredibly inspiring. She also hopes to try rowing and cycling, the latter a sport that runs in the family.
Her message to younger students is simple: give sport a try, even if it feels challenging. Don’t give up, especially if it’s something you love. For Samsara, sport wasn’t just an activity, but a vital part of her school life that kept her motivated, grounded and happy.
Samsara’s story is a powerful reminder of the role sport plays in building resilience, character and balance. As she begins her next chapter, we can’t wait to see her thrive, in science, in sport, and beyond.
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