At Nibras International School, our TORCH values of Tolerance, Organization, Respect, Care, and Honesty guide everything we do. We are proud to see our graduates turn their passions into purpose. Lynn Shamout, a former NIS student, is a great example of how hard work, resilience, and the right support, shaped by our TORCH values, can lead to a confident and successful future.After graduating from NIS in 2019, Lynn pursued Media and Journalism at The American University in Dubai, developing her communication skills and creative mindset. While her career path would later take an unexpected turn, the confidence and perseverance she built during her school years continued to guide her every step.In 2021, Lynn took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, opening her first restaurant, Chaplin Restaurant and Cafe, located in Downtown Dubai alongside her father. With no prior experience in the restaurant business, the journey was filled with challenges. Reflecting on this time, Lynn shared that when they first started, they had no experience at all, but pushing herself and staying committed helped her turn uncertainty into success, a mindset she says truly began during her years at NIS.“My years at NIS gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things felt unfamiliar. That belief in myself made all the difference,” she shared.One year ago, Lynn expanded her vision even further by opening a second restaurant, Zawaya in Beirut, Lebanon, marking an exciting new chapter in her growing business journey and highlighting her willingness to take risks and embrace new opportunities.During a recent visit back to Nibras International School, Lynn fondly reminisced about her time as a student. She recalled the small music room, the library where she often spent time reading, and the teachers who left a lasting impact on her life, including Mr. Cris Anghel, her PE teacher, Ms. Nadjeh Belouchrani, her French teacher, and Ms. Saoussen Habli from the Office of the Secondary Principal. She also shared special appreciation for Ms. Riham Ali, our librarian, who inspired her with a powerful life lesson that stayed with her beyond the classroom.“Ms. Riham always encouraged me to believe in myself and to keep pushing forward, even when things felt difficult. Seeing where I am today reminds me of how much students can achieve when they trust themselves and stay resilient,” Lynn said.For Ms. Riham, Lynn’s journey today reflects the growth that happens when students are supported and encouraged to believe in themselves.“Watching Lynn grow into who she is today shows just how far confidence and persistence can take a student,” she shared.Walking through the campus, Lynn couldn’t help but smile at the new classrooms and modern learning spaces, joking that she felt “jealous” and wished she could be a student again. Her reflections highlight how Nibras continues to grow and evolve, offering students an even more enriching learning environment rooted in inquiry, creativity, and personal growth.Celebrating Lynn’s achievements, Mr. Jason Sanservino, our Secondary School Principal, shared that Lynn’s journey not only reflects the values Nibras International School strives to instill in every student, including perseverance, confidence, and the courage to take risks, but also serves as an inspiration to our current students.“Lynn’s journey reflects the values we nurture at Nibras. She is a wonderful role model for our current students, showing them what is possible through dedication and belief in themselves. We are incredibly proud to see our alumni making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom,” he shared.Lynn’s story is a reminder that success does not always follow a straight line. With perseverance, the support of inspiring educators, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone, NIS graduates are well prepared to create their own paths and thrive wherever life takes them.As Nibras International School celebrates its 20th anniversary, our community remains committed to nurturing future-ready learners through our American curriculum and looks forward to honoring many more alumni stories that reflect its shared values of resilience, ambition, and lifelong learning.
