Alumni Spotlight: Lamija Skapur
“Looking back, I realise that ISA gave me much more than an education. It gave me a community, friendships, memories, and a perspective on the world that continues to influence who I am today.”
Meet Lamija Skapur, Class of 2026 graduate and recipient of the Leadership Award. Lamija is now studying Pre-Med at Erasmus University College after being at ISA for over 4 years.
The Leadership Award is given to students who model strong leadership skills within our ISA community.
How did your time at ISA impact your life?
ISA shaped a huge part of who I am today. Not only did I receive an amazing education that prepared me for university, but I also made lifelong friendships, developed an appreciation for different cultures, and had experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
ISA pushed me to grow both academically and personally. It taught me how to challenge myself, become more independent, and find a balance between working hard and still enjoying the people and experiences around me. Looking back, I realise that ISA gave me much more than an education. It gave me a community, friendships, memories, and a perspective on the world that continues to influence who I am today.
What are some of your most memorable moments at ISA?
My most memorable experiences at ISA were definitely the fun trips and experiences we got to share together. Some of my favourites were Duke of Edinburgh, travelling to Lille with my French class, and going to London with my English class. Each trip was amazing in its own way and gave me memories that I will always look back on fondly.
I also really enjoyed all the assemblies and Spirit Week days, especially in Grade 12. They brought everyone together and made our final year feel even more special. Even the simple, everyday moments became some of my favourite memories. I always looked forward to lunch, seeing my friends, talking about our day, and just spending time together. Looking back, it is those small moments, along with all the trips and special events, that made my time at ISA so memorable.
What advice or insights do you have for our current ISA students?
Build good relationships with your teachers, because having someone you can turn to for help, especially throughout the DP years, will pay off more than you might think. Don’t give up any of your hobbies either. The IB is definitely demanding, but it is also very doable. From my experience (especially having done 3 sciences), once you figure out how you study best and learn to manage your time, you will still have plenty of opportunities to continue your activities outside of school, hang out with your friends, and enjoy your life beyond academics.
Lastly, enjoy high school while it lasts. Although there will be days when you feel like everything is falling apart and the workload seems overwhelming, try to remember how special this period of your life actually is. This is probably the only time when you will get to see so many of your closest friends every single day and spend so much time together. University is very different, and you may end up missing even the ordinary school days you once took for granted. So work hard, but don’t let the stress stop you from enjoying the people and experiences around you.
What is your current career, and why did you choose that path? What advice do you have for others looking to enter into your field of work?
I am currently a university student at Erasmus University College, where I am following the pre-med track. My goal is to become a doctor or pursue another career within the field of science. I chose this path because I have always been interested in science, particularly biology and chemistry, and I like the idea of using that knowledge in a way that can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. At the same time, I chose a broader university program because I wanted to keep the opportunity to explore different areas of science before deciding exactly what I want to specialise in.
For anyone considering a similar path, my advice would be not to put too much pressure on yourself to have your entire future figured out immediately. Medicine and science can both be demanding fields, so it is important to genuinely enjoy what you are studying. Take opportunities to explore different subjects, talk to people already working in the field, and gain experience whenever you can. Most importantly, choose a path because it interests you, rather than simply because you feel like it is what you are supposed to do. And if you have any questions about the medical path in the Netherlands you can always message me on Instagram: @skapurlamija
The ISA Alumni Spotlight series aims to showcase the journeys of individuals in our student, teacher and parent alumni communities. We ask them to reflect on how ISA made an impact on their life, and to share their advice on how to carry out the mission of international understanding.
