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My name is Ahmad Mohammed Al Sayed, and I graduated from RFS in May 2009. Looking back at my time in school, I now know that RFS fundamentally shaped who I would become, as a person, a professional, and a member of my community. The values RFS instilled in me have stayed with me wherever I went. Integrity, simplicity, peace, equality, community, and stewardship were not just words on a wall, but a way of life that I experienced in every classroom and corridor. These values were reflected in the way teachers interacted with students, the way students treated one another, and the way the school engaged with the broader community.

One of my fondest memories is having the opportunity to take part in the students’ council which gets elected by the students, which allowed me to engage more actively in the school community and develop early leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. The school’s emphasis on democracy, open dialogue, and respecting different perspectives helped shape my communication style and strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively with others. One thing our teachers instilled in us was the belief that we owe this world a positive impact. That message stayed with me long after I left those halls.

I pursued a degree in Accounting at Birzeit University, graduating with honors, and those years deepened my passion for business and finance while showing me how the critical thinking and communication skills RFS had instilled in me gave me a real advantage, academically and beyond.

In 2013, I began my professional career at Deloitte & Touche, one of the world's leading professional services firms, where I would spend eleven transformative years across audit, risk management, consulting, and governance.
 
In 2015, I earned the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation from the Colorado State Board of Accountancy, a milestone that reflected years of dedicated study and professional commitment. A decade later, in 2025, I further earned the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors, reinforcing my expertise and commitment to the highest professional standards in the field.

At Deloitte, I grew into a Risk Advisory Manager, developing not just technical expertise, but the strategic thinking and trust-building skills that define true leadership. Throughout this time, giving back felt natural. RFS had instilled that in me since I was a student.
In 2023, I took a significant step in my career journey by joining Bayti Real Estate Investment Company as Head of Internal Audit. In this role, I oversee internal controls across all business processes and departments, with a focus on strengthening governance frameworks, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with best practices. I work closely with senior management and the Board of Directors to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, operational optimization, and more effective decision-making across the organization. This position has further sharpened my leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills, while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the company's long-term objectives and sustainable growth.

Today, when I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I keep returning to the same starting point: Ramallah Friends School. The annual bonfire gatherings, where students, teachers, staff, and families came together in warmth and community, the open classroom discussions that taught me to respect different perspectives, the quiet but consistent emphasis on doing the right thing even when no one is watching… All of these experiences laid the base for the professional and the person I have become.
To the teachers of RFS, I want to say: you may never fully realize the depth of the impact you have on your students' lives. But I am living proof that the seeds you plant grow far beyond the school walls. Your guidance built my self-confidence, your values shaped my ethics, and your belief in us prepared us to face life's challenges with resilience and purpose.
And to future RFS graduates, my message is simple: step outside your comfort zone, engage with your community, and never stop growing. The most valuable lessons often come from experiences beyond the classroom. Stay curious, work hard, be patient with yourself, and always ask how you can leave a positive impact on the people and communities around you. The values you are learning today will become your greatest professional and personal assets tomorrow,  just as they did for me.