Lamis: Growing Across Cultures
Can you introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?
My name is Lamis Abdulla. I’m a high school student originally from Sudan, and I’m currently studying in Turkey. I’m 16 years old.
Do you feel that living in a different country has given you a new perspective?
Yes, definitely. Living in a different country with a different language was hard at first. When I first came to Turkey, there were many challenges, but I’ve been living here for four or five years now, so I’ve learned how to deal with it and adapt.
How would you describe your daily life if someone followed you for a day?
If someone followed me, they might think I’m lazy at first, and then think I’m doing too much at the same time. My life really depends on how things go. I’m not the type of person who plans everything.
If I had to describe my life in three words, I would say it’s busy, challenging, and growing. A lot has happened in the last two years, and I’ve grown a lot.
In what ways do you feel you’ve grown over the past few years?
I’ve changed a lot since coming to Turkey. Before, I studied entirely in Arabic. When I came here, my dad enrolled me in an English school, even though my English was very basic at first.
That year was really hard, but I worked on improving my English and became more confident. After that, I moved to a Turkish high school, which meant learning an entirely new language again. It was very challenging because everyone around me spoke Turkish, and I didn’t.
More recently, I started Hudson Global Scholars, and that experience has also been very challenging and very rewarding. All of this has helped me grow.
How do you balance your local school with Hudson Global Scholars?
I usually do my Hudson Global Scholars work on weekends, since I don’t have school then. Sometimes I also work on it after school on lighter days.
Even spending one hour or less consistently really helps. At first it was hard, but over time it became much more manageable.
What is one benefit of the dual diploma program that people don’t always realize?
One important benefit is that it really builds independence and strong time‑management skills. You learn how to handle responsibility and adapt to different systems, which prepares you for the future.
It also helps you manage different parts of your life — school, home, and activities — all at the same time.
What skills have you developed through Hudson Global Scholars?
Time management is the biggest one. Before, it was very hard for me to organize everything. Now I feel much more in control of my schedule and responsibilities.
I’ve learned not to leave everything until the last minute and to understand what needs to be done and when.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
One of my hobbies is crochet. I first learned it by watching videos, but I stopped for a while because of schoolwork. Later, my school opened a crochet club, and that helped me reconnect with it.
I love making things for my family, and they really support it. I also enjoy watching series and exploring different cultures. I love learning about new places, food, and lifestyles, and that curiosity really inspires me.
What interested you in the Hudson Global Scholars clubs?
The first clubs that interested me were the language clubs. I’ve always wanted to learn many languages.
When I saw the Spanish club, I joined immediately. I also joined the Buddy Club, which was a completely new experience for me. My first buddy is someone I still talk to after two years, and that connection meant a lot to me.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador?
This was my first time becoming an ambassador, but I really enjoy leadership and supporting others. I wanted to help new students feel comfortable and confident.
When I was new, the ambassadors really inspired me by being welcoming and supportive. Becoming an ambassador felt like a great way to grow and connect with others.
How do you handle pressure and stay balanced?
I don’t really think of it as pressure. When things feel overwhelming, I remind myself why I started and how this will help my future.
If I do feel pressure, I stay calm, take a short break, organize my thoughts, and focus on one task at a time. That helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed.
What message would you like to share with students around the world?
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things. It may be difficult at first, but with effort and consistency, you can achieve more than you think.
I used to be very scared of speaking to people, but if you stop overthinking and focus on your goals, you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve.