Page 134 - DGPS - YearBook

MESSAGE FROM THE

HEAD GIRL (2019-2020) RAMEEN ASLAM

Dear Class of 2020,

I think it would be safe to say that none of us saw this coming.
One day, and completely oblivious to it, we were taking our last ever exam, laughing for the last time on those green benches with
familiar faces, sitting through our last ever Maths class and complaining about how impossible it was to integrate trigonometric
functions.
And then suddenly, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic that snatches away the last few moments of high school we’ve all
envisioned longingly. Be it the feeling of relief washing over us as we put down our pens after our final A Level exam, or the feeling
of tossing our graduation caps in the air as we end this chapter of our lives, or maybe even stepping out through the green gates
and saying goodbye to Dubai Gem for the very last time. On the 5th of March 2020, I remember telling my friends, ‘See you on
Sunday,’ but Sunday never came. We had just had our last day of high school, and didn’t even realize it.
Though this pandemic has practically shut down the world, I believe the one thing it’s given us all is perspective. Never again will
I take a handshake or a hug for granted, or human interaction as a whole for that matter. There’s something perplexingly humbling
about staring at your friends through a computer screen wondering when you might see them in person next, when you took daily
face-to-face conversations and laughter for granted.
It’s undeniable that the last few months have been rough and uncertain for all of us. Whatever has been sacrificed by the coronavirus, I’m sorry. Whether it’s time, promises,
hard work, adventures, or people. It’s been a difficult period: one that reminds us just how fragile we are as a species and how easily our daily lives can just come to a halt.
But as the Class of 2020 that the world so often feels pity for, there is one thing this unprecedented situation can never take away from us. All the memories we’ve made
through our school years!
Do you remember our childhood games in the primary school playground? Let’s not forget early morning assemblies where you could barely keep your eyes open, or that
daunting transition to senior school. Maybe you remember impatiently waiting for the bell to ring during an infinite lesson, or being interrupted mid-conversation with your friend
in the hallways by a teacher telling you to hurry up and reach class on time. Perhaps you’ll recall crying over a low mark, or rejoicing over your dream grades.
Remember complaining about how long the canteen queue was, or whispered conversations in the library? All those seemingly mundane, day-to-day moments are now
etched into my mind and they will undoubtedly stick with me for the rest of my life. One day, we’ll think back to our school years in Dubai Gem Private School. We’ll think fondly
of the people we grew up with, the teachers who supported us on our academic and personal endeavours, and the ancillary staff who stood with us every step of the way.
It’s surreal to think we were right in the middle of growing up and didn’t even realize it until now. But it’s a comforting realization, knowing how effortless and safe the Dubai
Gem community made it feel for all of us.

My journey as Head Girl has been one that I have cherished deeply. From forming leadership initiatives from the creativity, passion and dedication of Dubai Gem students, to
working closely with the staff and management to ensure events run smoothly, to preparing last minute speeches, this experience has been immensely rewarding.
To Mrs. Ibrahim and Dr. Poonam, I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you for teaching us the importance of good leadership and working together as a team. This role has
allowed me to grow and evolve as an individual, and I am so tremendously grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the teachers and management who have stood with us every step of the way, all the way from primary school to secondary
school. Each and every one of them has had a defining impact on our lives; they’ve seen us in our lowest moments of doubting ourselves and our highest moments of pride
and achievement. They have watched us grow in both a literal and a figurative sense, and I truly believe that is an everlasting bond. Though we may be leaving Dubai Gem,
you are always in our hearts.
So, this is it. Here we are. We’ve reached the finish line, graduating Class of 2020, but we’ve also reached a starting point. You see, we didn’t come this far to only come this
far. If there’s one thing you take away from my words, let it be this. Do not, for even a fraction of a second, dim your light. Your time has come to shine.
I believe so strongly in each and every one of you reading this right now. The world is yours for the taking. Go own it!

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