School Advisor Articles

The Sayfol Experience That Shaped Jemima Aziz’s Path to Success

Published by SchoolAdvisor | May 14, 2025

Education is a journey full of challenges, and it’s not always easy to thrive when you’re constantly changing schools. However, these transitions often teach valuable lessons along the way. Jemima Aziz’s educational journey is an excellent example of how adapting to new environments can shape personal growth and resilience.

Born in Malaysia, Jemima, 20, has been through several educational transitions. She started at Raudhah Adni, an Islamic school, before moving to Taylor’s International School Kuala Lumpur. The switch from a religious-focused school to an international one was tough initially, but it helped her build resilience and adaptability early on.

Jemima then spent five years at Cempaka International School, surrounded by a high-achieving and privileged environment. After that, she made another significant change when she joined Sayfol International School, skipping Year 8 and going straight to Year 9. "Sayfol was a complete contrast to Cempaka — more diverse, less structured, and filled with students from all walks of life," she says. “This exposure broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.”

Her journey continued with A Levels at Taylor’s College and a year at Taylor’s University, before transferring to the University of Leeds to study LLB. Each part of her education has taught her something new, helping her think critically and embrace fresh ideas.

Jemima had a great experience at Sayfol International School, where the teachers were friendly, attentive, and supportive both academically and personally.

Studying at Sayfol International School

Studying at Sayfol was an unforgettable experience for Jemima Aziz, shaping her academically and personally. 

The school’s atmosphere was collaborative, with students often helping each other. What stood out most to her was the incredible diversity of the student body. Students from countries such as Kazakhstan, Gambia, Thailand, and Myanmar filled the classrooms, with Malaysians making up a minority. This mix of cultures allowed her to interact with people from different backgrounds, broadening her worldview and allowing her to learn about various traditions and perspectives.

Her final year at Sayfol was especially challenging due to the pandemic and the pressure of preparing for the IGCSE exams. The sudden shift to online learning and all the uncertainty that came with it made things even more difficult. Despite these challenges, Jemima’s teachers stepped up, offering extra support and ensuring no one fell behind. “Their dedication truly made a difference, and I’ll always be grateful for the way they guided us through such a tough time.”

This was evident when she achieved impressive results, including five A*s in the IGCSE exam. The subjects she studied, including Mathematics, Economics, and Business, helped her build a solid foundation in both academic and practical skills. These subjects also sparked her interest in her future aspirations. 

But her success was not without struggle, especially in the beginning of her time at Sayfol.

During her first year, Jemima found herself struggling academically. She had just changed schools, and the adjustment was harder than expected. Personal issues also weighed heavily on her, causing her to fail classes repeatedly. She reached a point where she almost gave up on her education, feeling like she had no potential left. 

“However, by the end of Year 10, something changed. My teachers noticed that I was struggling not just academically but also mentally. They took the time to understand what I was going through and went beyond their role as educators to truly help me. They saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself, and offered the support I desperately needed, both in terms of my personal growth and academic performance.”

Among the many teachers who helped her, Jemima has a deep appreciation for Ms Kalpana, Ms Ambika, and Mr Krishna. Though Ms Kalpana and Ms Ambika are no longer at Sayfol, their impact on Jemima was profound. Ms Kalpana, in particular, had an extraordinary ability to make Jemima feel heard and understood, especially when she was at her lowest. Her encouragement and belief in Jemima helped her realise she could overcome her challenges.

"Ms. Ambika also played an essential role in helping me believe in myself. She created a supportive and welcoming environment, always taking the time to understand the struggles I was facing and encouraging me when I felt like giving up.”

Meanwhile, Mr Krishna helped Jemima not only academically but also with her self-worth. His patience and understanding made a big difference during tough times.

With the unwavering support of these teachers, her academic performance improved dramatically, and she regained her confidence. “I will forever be grateful for these teachers and the positive, nurturing environment they created. Sayfol was a place where I not only grew academically but personally, and I owe so much of that to the incredible educators who gave me the confidence to succeed.”

Staying active kept Jemima physically fit, while participating in various activities was mentally rewarding.

Beyond the Classroom

Jemima was also deeply involved in co-curricular activities at Sayfol. She played football and basketball and was part of the swimming and running teams. In Year 10, she took on the role of Vice House Captain for her sports house, gaining valuable leadership experience. Outside of sports, Jemima also participated in singing and dancing performances, adding to her diverse school life.

In addition to these activities, she was a key member of the yearbook team, handling videography and photography for the Class of 2021 video. Every Thursday, students could pick extracurricular activities, and Jemima and her friends always chose bowling. “We would head to Ampang Point to bowl every week. We were always so excited for Thursdays just for that, and it became one of my favourite school memories.”

These experiences helped Jemima grow both physically and mentally. Staying active kept her fit, while engaging in various activities boosted her creativity and teamwork skills. 

“I built strong friendships with people across the school and developed teamwork, leadership, and creativity. Additionally, participating in these activities strengthened my university applications by showcasing my well-rounded skills and involvement beyond academics.”

After completing her A-Levels, Jemima began her LL.B at Taylor's University before transferring to the University of Leeds for her second and third years to continue her law studies.

From Sayfol to University

After graduating from Sayfol, Jemima continued her academic journey at Taylor's College, where she pursued her A-Levels in Business, Economics, and Psychology. She then moved on to Taylor's University for her first year, starting her LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) before transferring to the University of Leeds to complete her studies. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, shaping her aspirations in the legal field.

Jemima credits her experience at Sayfol for giving her the confidence to thrive in university life. The school helped her build strong communication skills and adaptability, making it easier for her to form connections with people from diverse backgrounds. At both Taylor's University and the University of Leeds, she found it simple to engage in discussions and activities, thanks to the social foundation Sayfol had laid. The diverse environment at Sayfol played a significant role in easing her transition into university, where she encountered students from all over the world.

On the academic front, Sayfol also prepared Jemima to cope with the higher demands of university studies. The guidance from her teachers taught her resilience and effective time management. "This helped me transition smoothly to university, where the pace and expectations were higher. In other words, the experiences I had at Sayfol — both academically and socially — played a crucial role in my ability to thrive at Taylor's University and the University of Leeds."

Looking back, Jemima feels her last two years at Sayfol were the most impactful. It was during this time that she formed lifelong friendships and received incredible support from both peers and teachers. The diversity at Sayfol exposed her to different cultures and allowed her to connect with people worldwide. These experiences enriched her life in ways she never imagined, and she continues to cherish the unique and unforgettable educational experience Sayfol provided.

“Overall, Sayfol provides a well-rounded education that combines strong academic foundations with a supportive and inclusive community.”