Ex-students share fondest memories of Dubai school that turned 50

The old building of Our Own English High School Dubai at Al Bastakiya. Right, Safia Zuleikha, who chased her dream to become a pilot.

Dubai - Long-time teachers of the school said that they hope to see former students on campus.

After working in the banking sector for three long years, Dubai resident Safia Zuleikha, an Indian, quit when she realised that she wasn't pursuing her 'dreams of flying'. "I've had dreams of becoming a pilot since my childhood. One day I decided to give up my job in banking and pursue flying," she told Khaleej Times.
A graduate of London School of Economics, Zuleikha went on to get her pilot's licence from the United States and also completed a course in commercial piloting from Alpha Aviation Academy in Sharjah. Today she is a second officer at Air Arabia and credits her school GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai (Our Own), for instilling a fighting spirit in her to pursue her dreams.
An alumnus of the school, Zuleikha graduated from Our Own in 2002 and is extremely proud that the school is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
"I was very good at athletics and sports was a very loving part of my schooling days. Playing sport taught me to work hard and never give up. My school instilled a 'never give up' attitude in me. And that is one of the reasons that I went on to become a pilot," added Zuleikha.
Another former student Sindhana Jayaseelan, an Indian national who graduated in 1996 said that the school played a significant role in who she is today. An equities trader with Mashreq Bank, Jayaseelan said that some of the fondest memories of her life are from school. She was also active in athletics and was school head girl for the 1995-96 batch. "I am heading to the school for the celebrations. The school played a big part in who I am today," she added.
Long-time teachers of the school said that they hope to see former students on campus.  Indu Singh head of department for physical education and has been teaching at the school for 25 years, said: "As teachers, when you see former students doing so well you feel complete."
Senior school supervisor Manju Cherian has been a part of the school for 22 years. She joined as an English teacher in 1995. She said: "When former student come back and recount their experiences, it is a high point as a teacher. Being a part of Our Own has been very fulfilling."
Former students can register for the upcoming 50th-anniversary event on the school website http://www.gemsoo-dubai.com/ under the alumni registration section.

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