“Throughout my years at the FAA, project-based learning had a lasting impact on me. Working on projects allowed me to see things from different perspectives and understand other people’s points of view. It also taught me how to collaborate effectively, which has shaped my work ethic and how I approach teamwork today.”
– Maysane Cheikh, Class of 2022
Q: Tell me about your family background, interests, and educational journey thus far.
I’m from Djibouti, Africa. My parents immigrated to the United States in the 2000s, and that experience strongly shaped me by showing me the value of hard work. I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, and spending time with my friends. I started at the FAA in 2010 in pre-K and continued there through eighth grade. After that, my family moved back to Djibouti, and I entered the Lycée français de Djibouti, where I am now in Terminale.
Q: What aspects of the FAA experience did you value most?
What I appreciated most at the FAA was how much the teachers valued their relationships with students, along with the strong focus on project and group work. For example, in math, we did many projects, presentations, and infographics that required teamwork and collaboration. This helped build our team spirit and taught us how to rely on both ourselves and others.
Q: Do you have any specific memories, teachers, or anecdotes that you treasure from your time at the FAA?
One of my favorite memories from the FAA was the Boston trip we took in 5th grade, which brought together both campuses. It allowed us to meet more students our age and form new connections. Some teachers who really left a mark on me were my English teacher, Mrs. Karam, my science teacher, Cathy, and my math teacher, Miss Meena. Their passion for their subjects was evident in the way they taught, and it genuinely inspired me to want to learn.
Q: The French American Academy emphasizes project-based learning. Were there any projects or experiences that left a lasting impact on you or shaped how you approach learning today?
Throughout my years at the FAA, project-based learning had a lasting impact on me. Working on projects allowed me to see things from different perspectives and understand other people’s points of view. It also taught me how to collaborate effectively, which has shaped my work ethic and how I approach teamwork today.
Q: How did the FAA’s international community (friends, teachers, school culture) influence who you are today?
The FAA’s international community gave me small but meaningful glimpses into different cultures and perspectives, whether through teachers with diverse backgrounds or trying foods from around the world. While it didn’t completely change who I am, it helped me become more open-minded and appreciative of diversity in subtle ways that I still carry with me today.
Q: Sometimes bilingualism benefits us in unforeseen ways … you never know when knowing multiple languages will open the world up unexpectedly. How have you benefited from your bilingual education?
Being bilingual really helped me when I moved to a French lyceum, because my English skills were stronger than most of my peers. It made learning easier and also allowed me to take special options like Section Européenne. Looking ahead to college, I know being bilingual will continue to give me advantages and open up more opportunities, especially in France.
Q: What are you currently involved in: clubs, internships, jobs, creative pursuits, or community work?
I tutor and recently completed a summer internship at SE for All with the UN. I’ve done some volunteering at an orphanage, though not extensively, because I’ve been focused on my studies.
Q: What are you planning to study in college?
I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’m thinking about studying something in biology.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or ten years, and how do you think your bilingual education will continue to shape your journey?
I’m not exactly sure where I’ll be in five to ten years, but I know that being bilingual will be a real asset. Whether it’s in a professional setting, in everyday communication, or navigating new environments, speaking two languages will always be useful. Understanding two languages and the cultures and perspectives that come with them gives me an advantage and helps me connect with different kinds of people. It also gives me a broader way of seeing the world, which I know will continue to guide me in the future.
