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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.

Prepared by Dr. Nidal A. Ahmed
Diploma Programme Coordinator and College Advisor, [email protected] 

     On a typical advising day, a student arrives with a calendar of deadlines, a draft essay open on a laptop, and a question that sounds simple but is rarely simple: “Where should I apply?” The discussion quickly becomes academic. We review programme requirements, curriculum fit, cost and scholarship structures, and how each option aligns with the students’ interests and preparation. In that sense, college advising is a form of guided inquiry. Students learn to make defensible decisions based on evidence rather than assumption, and to explain their choices with clarity and precision.

At Ramallah Friends School, the advising programme is designed as academic planning and mentoring over time. The College Advisor supports students through individual meetings, balanced college shortlists, and parent partnership meetings. Students receive structured coaching in personal statements and supplemental writing, and in presenting sustained engagement beyond the classroom with clarity and evidence. The outcome we aim for is both rigorous and humane: students can explain their academic direction, demonstrate fit, and keep strong options open.

The Class of 2026 completed the university decision cycle and is now in its first year at colleges and universities around the world. Together, these graduates earned a variety university offers across many countries, with offers concentrated in Palestine and a wide international spread that included universities in Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This breadth is worth celebrating: it reflects students who were prepared to navigate different admissions systems and still reached the end of the process with meaningful choice.

Within the international distribution of acceptances, U.S. applications require additional planning. Students who hold U.S. citizenship often apply more heavily to U.S. universities because citizenship reduces entry uncertainty and can broaden enrollment and financial planning options. For students who do not hold U.S. citizenship, a U.S. offer depends not only on admission, but also on visa issuance and entry eligibility.
In late 2025, updated U.S. entry and visa issuance restrictions effective January 1, 2026, introduced added uncertainty for students who hold only Palestinian citizenship and rely on Palestinian Authority issued travel documents. For students admitted during the early decision cycle, this can complicate academic planning that begins immediately after an offer is accepted. Our advising response remains constructive and student-centered: we support timely communication with universities about deferral options or alternate entry terms where available, and encourage balanced application portfolios so students can preserve academic continuity while decisions and timelines evolve.

The results of the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2026 showed what matters most in our advising approach: disciplined preparation, careful writing, sustained engagement, and mature self-advocacy. We supported the Class of 2026 through the full admissions cycle with confidence in our students and gratitude for the partnership of families and teachers. As the Class of 2027 begins its own journey, we wish every student the very best and look forward to celebrating their achievements.

Students in Grades 1-5 enjoyed a joyful family day at the Lower Campus, taking part in a variety of sports, heritage games, dabke, and singing.