Nicole C.’s Journey from CAISL to Medical School

We had the pleasure of welcoming back one of our alumni, Nicole C., who graduated from CAISL in 2021. Nicole is currently in her second year of medical studies at the University of Bologna, where she is thriving and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Although she has not yet decided on her specialization, she is considering either surgery or psychiatry as potential paths for her future.

Nicole’s journey at CAISL began in Grade 4, and she remained with us through Grade 12. During her time here, she also completed the IB program, where she dedicated herself to her studies. Her hard work and commitment were evident, particularly in her Extended Essay, where she achieved straight As. This accomplishment was a testament to her passion for learning and her desire to always do her best.

Many of her former classmates now live abroad, making it challenging to reunite often, but they take advantage of their travels to visit each other around the world.

During her time as a student at CAISL, Nicole was involved in various activities. She played the violin in the school orchestra and, though she once described herself as a shy person, she stepped outside of her comfort zone by embracing drama classes. Reflecting on this, Nicole shared that taking drama was one of the best decisions she made during her time at CAISL, as it helped her grow and overcome her shyness.

After graduating from CAISL, Nicole chose to take a gap year, which gave her the time to carefully prepare for university applications, including admission tests and developing backup plans. During that year, she also embarked on a month-long medical volunteer program in India, working alongside other international students. This unforgettable experience was a pivotal moment in her journey toward a career in medicine.

Nicole also offered valuable advice to current students. She emphasized the importance of being perseverant and never give up on their dreams. In her opinion, if students have made their decision about their future, they should stick to it, even if it requires hard work to achieve success. Additionally, she encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, as doing so can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. Engaging in personal introspection and gaining a better understand of themselves may also help them realize their true passion.

We are incredibly proud of Nicole's accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve in the future. Her story is an inspiring reminder of how CAISL alumni continue to make an impact, both personally and professionally, long after graduation.