Gabriela joined the BIS Abu Dhabi family in Year 6 and after eight exciting years at the school, she has proudly graduated and is heading to the UK to continue her educational journey at the University of Surrey.
Gabriela is off to pursue her dream of becoming a Dietician and will be studying Nutrition and Dietetics. “The University of Surrey is highly known to have one of the top Nutrition and Dietetics courses in the UK, which is why I chose to study there. They also have a renowned Disability and Neurodiversity service and as I am visually impaired, I am confident they will be able to support me a great deal during my time there.” Said Gabriela.
When asked how completing the IB Diploma Programme helped get Gabriela into her dream university, Gabriela replied: “As the IB Diploma Programme is widely recognised around the world, it enabled me to get offers from some great universities, one of which was Surrey. I never could have imagined I would be able to study there.”
Why has Gabriela chosen to study Nutrition and Dietetics? “I chose this course because it includes two things that I really enjoy; Biology and helping others. I also went through a period of malnourishment and that has made me want to study this area more and share my knowledge with others as I now know how important nutrition is. I would like to work in a hospital as a dietitian and support the people that are sick by making a personalised meal plan for them. This is what fascinates me about nutrition, sometimes eating the right food is what will help you recover from a certain disease; therefore, food can act as natural medicine. This is what I am thinking of doing today, but I am open to exploring new paths that Nutrition and Dietetics can lead me into in the future.” Replied Gabriela.
Gabriela is excited to begin this new chapter in her life. “I used to feel uncomfortable moving to a new country and having to meet new people, but after spending eight years at BIS Abu Dhabi and meeting people from all around the world, I now have the confidence to move to the UK for university and start my next adventure. The University of Surrey has an enormous sports centre with an Olympic size pool, a squash court and, what I am most excited about is trying out their rock-climbing wall.”
Gabriela has shared some fond memories of her time at BIS Abu Dhabi. “I remember my trip to Tanzania, which was remarkable for me as it was the first time I travelled abroad without my family, and it showed me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. It gave me the confidence to ask for help when I needed it due to my visual impairment. I class myself as a shy person, but I challenged myself and participated in the BISAD’s Got Talent competition last year which I am immensely proud of.”
When asked what she will miss from her time at the school Gabriela said “I will definitely miss the friends and teachers who helped me so much throughout my 8 years at BIS Abu Dhabi and supported me to get where I am today. It was not easy for me at the start, so I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at BIS Abu Dhabi as I now head to university much happier and stronger.”
Gabriela heads to university to follow her dream of becoming a dietician and without doubt, she will achieve anything she puts her mind to. Congratulations, Gabriela!
The British International School Abu Dhabi
