Remembering ISD

Nicolas Mathy

Class of 2013 / Graduate

Currently studying a bachelor in International Business Management at Karel de Grote College

ISD is a great school for any family from any background! My fondest memories from ISD are the world culture days, Waisal tournaments and WAIST.

Anabelle Voisard

Class of 2014 / Graduate

Studying at: Concordia University in Montreal, Canada

My best memories in ISD... Honestly, there are so many of them. However, when I think about ISD, I recall all the lunch time moments that I had with my friends, the nice weather and the connections that I made with the teachers at the time. My experience at ISD really helped me grow and made the person who I am today.

Amy Yeager

Class of 2013 / Graduate

Studying at: Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts

It is difficult to choose only a few memories to articulate from my four years at ISD. I can say that most of them involved my fabulous teachers, from actual class sessions to chatting during study blocks to eating lunch in their classrooms with friends. Lastly, I often think about the many cats that lived on campus - Stacey, Blaze, and One-Eye, to name a few - and wonder if they are still around.

I am a junior at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and am well on my way to graduating with a degree in Scientific Illustration. Following undergrad, I hope to get my Master's in Medical Illustration, and aspire to have a career in Medical or Natural Science Illustration. For the time being, I work in the Hibbett Lab in Clark's Biology Department, illustrating fungi. When I'm not in class or drawing, I do tech for Clark Musical Theatre. I miss living overseas, and I fondly remember my time at ISD.

Khadidiatou Gadio

Class of 2005 / Graduate

Studying at: Frostburg State University (Bachelors in Business administrations/Management) and World Maritime University (Masters in Shipping Management)

ISD is a multicultural environment that promotes intellectual growth and tolerance all at the same time. My fondest memories are of our dances, our school dances were unforgettable.

I am currently working at the UN World Food Program Regional Bureau in Dakar.

Madeleine Spivey

Class of 2009 / Graduate

Studying at: New York University - Tisch School of the Arts, National Film and Television School

The International School of Dakar is a family. I never would have had the courage to follow my dreams if I hadn't had so much love and support from my friends and the faculty. When I first arrived in Dakar, I had no desire to pursue higher education but with the guidance of some brilliant teachers I graduated with honors from one of the best universities in the world and I'm currently wrapping up the first year of a two year MA program in England. I'm very grateful for everything ISD has done for me, I wouldn't be on the path I'm on today without them.

My favourite memories involve the arts which I suppose is why I decided to go into the arts - making teapots for the pottery class and learning to play guitar then performing in front of the school in music with Mr. Post. Getting to making the ISD 25th anniversary "documentary" for Mr. Kumar's class was a great accomplishment at the time. I loved the days when we would get to do things a little differently, like wacky-tacky day and when we'd celebrate Senegal and eat thieboudienne out on the field with the entire school.

I am a MA student at the NFTS studying multi-camera directing and producing.

Victoire Cointy

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studying at: Northeastern University in Boston

When it comes to memories at ISD, favourites are quite hard to narrow down. However, the main three which impacted me were the following: the first performance of Selfie, a play I’d directed for IB Theatre HL, my senior trip and my graduation.

Selfie was a two-month-long process and seeing it come together into an actual play onstage was one of the most gratifying moments of my time at ISD. Knowing that the sweat and tears that went into all of the brainstorming, reading, rehearsal and building sessions had been worth it was really relieving. Our senior trip was a week-long trip down to La Somone and had an impact on me because of the way it ended. During our last afternoon at the hotel we were staying at, our accompanying teachers made us sit in a circle and each one of us was given the possibility to stand up and give a short reflective speech on our two years as a cohort. Although we initially thought only a couple of us would stand up, all of us ended up saying something, and we were all brought to tears as we realised that we were sharing our last few moments together as a group. This feeling struck again during graduation as we were lined up just before walking onstage as Mr. Bell said: “This is the last time you will all be in the same place at the same time, as a cohort and as high school students.” And as we threw our caps up in the air at the end of the ceremony, I definitely felt those words gain a lot more meaning.

At the end of the day, I had a very nomadic childhood and went to many different schools, but ISD has without a doubt been my favourite.

Audrey Nlandou

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studying at: University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania

My favorite memories from ISD are the talent shows, WAISAL, local tournaments against other teams, Week Without Walls of my junior and senior year. I learnt a lot about my friends and about myself during those events. Some of these events humbled me and made me feel grateful of the people around me.

Julia Versel

Class of 2013 / Graduate

Studying at: Harvard University Undegrad (Class of 2017)

ISD shaped me into the person I am today, and will always remain a part of me. I am so grateful for the values of community, open-mindedness and personal connection that ISD instilled in me over the years. From 2002-2013, ISD was and continues to be a home for me.

My best memories from ISD include:

-Mardi Gras dress up celebrations organized by the French teachers in early 2000's.

-Both attending and then later on planning/organizing the Lock-Ins!

-Hot Lunch days in early 2000's organized by the PTA (before it was renamed PTO)

-Soccer and Swim Team practices before/after school

-SIPS competitions, when the school would take a field trip to the stadium to cheer our school on, when ISD's mascot was still the Scorpion!

Honestly, there are too many memories that were made at twelve years in the same school. I saw ISD change, grow, and transition in many ways. Each year was different and provided unique memories. I reflect warmly on the sense of community that ISD students shared during the first few years that I was there. The school will always hold such a special place for me and I can't wait to visit again.

Ndey Mboup

Class of 2014 / Graduate

Studying at: LIM College (1st Year) and Fashion Institute of Technology (2nd Year)

ISD is a place where you come to grow. It is a big, but at the same time very small, family and community in which every person (be it a teacher, coach or classmate) contributes to your personal and academic growth as a student. The Jaguar community is one that is positive and encouraging, and there is never a dull moment. From the stimulating range of classes you take to the enriching cultural activites and class trips you get to experience, you will leave Dakar feeling empowered and determined to be an ambassador of change to the rest of the world. "Once a Jaguar, Always a Jaguar!"

My favorite moment: Graduation, because it was our proudest moment to have the culmination of all of our hard work for the past 13 years be celebrated and shared with our peers, teachers, friends, family and loved ones.

Oceane Lefebvre

Class of 2012 / Graduate

Studying at: Ryerson University - Psychology Major

Off the top of my head I would say my favorite memory if ISD was Waisal Volleyball.

Camille Vittin

Class of 2014 / Graduate

Studying at: University of Tampa - Elementary Education with an ESOL Endorsment

ISD is a really welcoming place and it'll become your second family. The friendships you make there will last for a lifetime. Favorite memories were field trips, especially our last one in 12th grade. It was bittersweet because it was our last trip, but I have the best memories from that trip.

I am currently studying to become an Elementary Education teacher.

Hannah Nicholls

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studying: Criminology at the University of Nottingham

My top memory from ISD has to be the Week Without Walls trip we did during my senior year.

Fredrik Elisson

Class of 2010 / Graduate

Studying at: Uppsala University, Sweden and SciencesPo Paris, France

ISD embodies great education in a great city. The school has spirit, beautiful grounds and people were always kind to each other.

My favorite memories include International potlucks, the sushi always went first. WAIST Softball. Performing with our rock band "The Bad Habits", running a COBRA music improvisation group with Nathan Fuhr. Student Council in general!

I am currently in my last semester of studies - will work for Swedish PR firm Prime when graduated (part of international network Weber Shandwick).

Medina Sabina Charpentier

Class of 2013 / Graduate

Studying at: Regents University of London, Università Degli Studi di Firenze and Bond University

Would definitely recommend ISD to new families as it is a school that allows you to grow; with all the different nationalities there is to learn from. Students grow both educationally and culturally. My favorite memory well always be WAISAL.

Fatoumata Traore

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studying at: University of Saint Thomas

My Senior Week without walls is part of my best memories. My graduation is also part of my best memories

Ibrahim Lamay

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studied at: James Madison University and George Mason University

My top memory for ISD is SIPs.

Leslie Ayuk-Takor

Class of 2012 / Graduate

Studying at: Columbia University in the City of New York (Neuroscience and Behavior, Sustainable Development)

Nobody ever really lets go of ISD. Whether you stayed for 1 year or were there from preschool to 12th grade, ISD remains ingrained within you and you leave the school knowing that you have truly made friends for life -- without exaggeration. You gain not only a great education, but the invaluable skill of knowing how to cultivate and maintain significant relationships. My top memories from ISD are SIPS, Week Without Walls 12th grade service trip, WAISAL and the Kedougou Field Trip.

Madalena Campos Ferreira

Class of 2012 / Graduate

Studying at: Universita degli studi di Torino- Italy, ISCTE- Portugal

My favorite memories by far were the senior trips.

Currently I am studying Psychology. Doing an exchange program in Italy for 6 months, and then going back to Portugal.

Michael Scanlon

Class of 2012 / Graduate

Studying at: Michigan State University (History)

It's a close knit community full of great people. My best memories are the numerous WAISAL tournaments and the traveling to different countries. Also I loved Shady Shack.

Ajab Amin

Class of 2004 / Graduate

Studied at: Pennsylvania State University, University of Michigan and Northwest University

My best memories from ISD are sitting on the benches out of the classrooms and talking with friends, and of course the dance parties.

Alexander Bechir Charpentier

Class of 2008 / Graduate

Studied at: Columbus State Community College, Ohio State University and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

My fondest memories include: Repetitively beating Dakar Academy in all Football! Volunteering at the orphanage with Ms. Casey.

Michaella Munyuzangabo

Class of 2008 / Graduate

Currently studying at: McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management (International Management, minor in International Development)

My favorite things from ISD were the sports tournaments and cultural week when everybody got to dress up and represent their countries.

Eziwoma Alibo

Class of 2005 / Graduate

Studying at: West Virginia Wesleyan College, Brandeis University and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

One of my favorite things from ISD was the rivalry that we had with Dakar Academy. I think it gave great fire to our interschool games and competitions and made for really great memories and fun times.

I am currently in school at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai getting my MD/PhD degree. I am a second year in the program, matriculated in 2014.

Caroline Taylor

Class of 2015 / Graduate

Studying at: College of Charleston, Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

My fondest memories include: Getting grilled cheeses at the Shady Shack. Being on Stuco for two years. Helping form the Jappale organization. Being on the soccer and volleyball teams and competing at WAISAL tournaments in Ghana.

Personally, I am about to start my student teaching in the spring semester of 2016.

Hady Kevin Wehbe

Class of 2014 / Graduate

Studied at: University of Ottawa, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Real Madrid International School, Sports Management World Wide

My Best memory is the 2013 trip to Burkina Fasso after winning the basketball tournament.

Claude Durocher

Class of 2008 / Graduate

Studying at: Collège François-Xavier-Garneau, Science de la nature (Science), Université Laval, Aménagement et environnements forestier (Forestry engineering) and Université Laval, Forest Science Master degree

ISD is a very nice school, very international. The teachers are great, and it's a very welcoming school. My favorite ISD memory is basket ball and track and field. I loved the trip we did in Ghana with the team.

Now I am a full time master student. I also work as an assistant for a professor.