A resilient and determined hearing-impaired student showcased exceptional determination and achieved remarkable success in the IB Exam, attaining an impressive score. Overcoming numerous challenges along the way, this student’s triumph serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication. With unwavering commitment, they surpassed expectations, demonstrating their remarkable abilities and proving that any obstacle can be overcome with resilience and a strong spirit.
Determined Hearing-Impaired Student Triumphs
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Student’s Name | Karen Youakim |
| Age | Eighteen |
| Hearing Condition | Karen developed hearing difficulties at the age of eight and eventually lost her hearing completely in both ears due to a genetic condition called Mondini Syndrome. |
| Academic Achievement | Achieved an impressive score of 42 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma exam, along with three core points. |
| Educational Journey | Enrolled in more than five schools across different countries and systems. Adapted to new systems every two to three years. Despite the challenges, managed to excel academically. |
| Language Proficiency | Became almost fluent in French during three years in the French system, topped the class, and graduated from elementary school with distinction. Achieved a score of 7 in IB French. |
| Impact of COVID-19 on Learning | Distance learning and wearing masks posed additional obstacles for Karen, affecting her ability to learn, mental health, and self-esteem. Reading lips was crucial for her, and masks hindered her ability to understand and communicate effectively. |
| Academic Achievements during Challenges | Overcame difficulties and received the Student of the Year award. Achieved a grade 9 in all 10 of her GCSE subjects. Served as the Head Inclusion Ambassador, launched a society for the deaf and hard of hearing, and was in charge of TEDx after giving a TED talk. |
| Scholarship and Recognition | Awarded the GEMS Platinum Jubilee Scholarship, recognizing her embodiment of values such as devotion, loyalty, respect, and charitable deeds. |
| Supportive Environment | Received unwavering support from her parents and teachers at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis (WSO). Their support, understanding, and guidance played a significant role in her success. |
| Study Habits and Discipline | Eliminated social media platforms and distractions, followed a structured study schedule, used timers, and had her phone locked away during study sessions. Emphasized the importance of class time over last-minute revision. |
| Future Aspirations | Aims to pursue a legal career, specifically considering UCL (University College London) due to its affiliated law clinic. Dreams of opening a series of orphanages in Egypt, inspired by volunteering at an orphanage for children with special needs. |
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, including distance learning and the use of face masks, Karen Youakim, an exceptional eighteen-year-old hearing-impaired student, emerged victorious in this year’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma exam. Achieving a remarkable score of 42 with three core points, Karen’s resilience and determination shone through. From her early struggles with hearing loss due to Mondini Syndrome to navigating different educational systems across various countries, she consistently excelled academically. Karen’s tenacity was further evident when she defied opposition to pursue learning in the French system, where she not only became nearly fluent in French but also achieved top-class rankings and graduated from elementary school with distinction. Her exceptional score of 7 in IB French stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication. As an Egyptian-Canadian expat, Karen’s inspiring journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and the triumph of determination.
Adapting to Challenges: Hearing-Impaired Student Relies on Lip-Reading Skills for Communication
Navigating Challenges: Karen’s Determination Shines Through Amidst Pandemic-Induced Learning Obstacles
When the pandemic struck during her Year 11, Karen faced a unique set of hurdles that impacted her learning, mental well-being, and self-esteem. Despite these challenges, she refused to surrender and persisted in working hard while maintaining hope. While distance learning was manageable with the aid of headphones, returning to school presented difficulties due to mask-wearing. As a hearing-impaired individual who relied on lip-reading, masks became a frustrating barrier, leaving Karen feeling isolated and reminiscent of her earlier struggles. Exhaustion, migraines, and a sense of reliving her most distressing times characterized that year. Karen’s determination led her to rally fellow students to appeal to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for alternative solutions, ultimately resulting in the approval of clear shields for her teachers. Though the journey was arduous, Karen’s resilience prevailed, reflecting her unwavering spirit.
Celebrating Success: Karen’s Achievements Shine Bright
A Trailblazer’s Journey: Karen’s Remarkable Achievements and Unwavering Support
Karen’s determination and hard work bore fruit as she reached the end of Year 11, securing noteworthy accomplishments. She received the prestigious title of Student of the Year and achieved an outstanding grade 9 in all 10 of her GCSE subjects. In Year 12, she showcased her leadership qualities as the Head Inclusion Ambassador, initiating a society dedicated to the deaf and hard of hearing. Moreover, Karen’s impactful TED talk led to her being entrusted with the responsibility of organizing TEDx. Her unwavering drive for success continued into Year 13, where she became a recipient of the esteemed GEMS Platinum Jubilee Scholarship, awarded to students who exemplify values such as devotion, loyalty, respect, and charitable deeds. Throughout her journey, Karen acknowledges the invaluable support of her parents and school, who uplifted her during daily challenges. She attributes her success not only to academic achievements but also to the lessons her parents taught her: embracing failure as a part of growth and recognizing her self-worth beyond academic pursuits. Karen expresses deep gratitude to her teachers, particularly Ms. Britny Goulet, for their unwavering belief in her, providing guidance, and offering tough love when she needed it most.
Focused and Distraction-Free: Karen’s Pre-Exam Preparation Excludes Social Media and Phones
Focused and Determined: Karen’s Strategic Approach to Exam Preparation and Aspirations for the Future
Karen’s unwavering discipline and self-control played a vital role in propelling her towards her goals. Even before her exams, she made a conscious decision to eliminate all social media platforms from her life, recognizing the potential distractions they posed. By structuring her study sessions to include challenging subjects between easier ones, utilizing a timer system with regular breaks, and having her parents lock away her phone, Karen created an environment conducive to concentration and productivity. She also emphasizes the importance of valuing class time, considering it more valuable than last-minute revisions. Looking ahead, Karen envisions a career in the legal profession, acknowledging its relevance to various career paths. She expresses particular interest in UCL due to its law clinic, which would allow her to engage in meaningful initiatives and address social justice issues while pursuing her studies. Inspired by her volunteering experience at an orphanage for children with special needs, Karen dreams of establishing a series of orphanages in Egypt as a way to give back to the community.
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