People Who Inspire, Teach, and Uplift Us: Lessons, Goodbyes, and New Beginnings

People Who Inspire, Teach, and Uplift Us: Lessons, Goodbyes, and New Beginnings

Ibtissam Daif Ibtissam Daif

Ibtissam Daif

Multilingual | Education Enthusiast | Leading Learning and Trainings | MBA

发布日期: 2025年1月30日
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We meet people, and we never truly know what role they’re meant to play in our lives. But is there anything more powerful than lifting someone up—seeing something in them that they haven’t yet seen in themselves?

The true magic of human connection lies in helping others recognize their calling and potential. It’s about encouraging them, reminding them of who they are, what their dreams once were, and why they started in the first place.

Ferna was my mentor and counselor during college, and I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have graduated without her support. She helped me navigate my homesickness and adjust to a new country at a very young age. Last April, we met in Castle Island, where she expressed how proud she was of my accomplishments. She inspired me to pursue a career in education. Thanks to her, I tried my best to provide the same level of support and guidance to my former mentees and students.


Through the people we meet, we learn. We learn that life is fragile yet full of meaning. We realize that leading an inspiring, brave life—one of impact, passion, generosity, and abundance—is always worth it. Some people remind us of our younger selves, while others reflect the future versions of who we aspire to be.

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Plenary and I met in an English class where we were the only international students. We initially connected due to our cultural similarities, and we have been close friends ever since. She often reminds me of how much she admires my grit, especially during times I felt like giving up. We have shared dreams and continue to support each other in achieving our goals, each in her own way and at her own pace. I couldn't ask for a better friend.
I consider Dean Asma and Krishna as my teachers. They are incredibly passionate, intellectual, sincere, authentic, kind, and wise. They have been my source of inspiration at AUI, and they continue to be. A true example of living a purposeful life with humility and leading with care and dignity.

I am blessed to have met many incredible people throughout my journey—some at work, in the mosque, in a classroom, on a train, in college, on a plane, or even at the embassy. Some in Morocco, others in and from different corners of the world. And with each encounter, we connected through shared dreams, goals, values, and aspirations. This year has been one in which I got to say goodbye to some, reconnect with others, and meet new ones.

My final moments with my friends at AUI (Aliye and Khadija), reconnection with my former colleagues and teachers in Boston ( Janet, Arthur, and Susan) and New York ( Sena), and my welcoming meeting with Dean Asma's former colleague Anne in Great Berrigthon on my first training day.

To Susan Buckey , Dr. Ferna Phillips , Asma Abbas, Herb Radford , Paul Love, Jr. , Krishna Gajjar , Erum Masood , Hind ALAOUI , Abdullah Trevathan , Plenary Shah, Wafa El Garah, PhD, EFMD Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, Tabassum Rachid, Janet Kuser, EdD , Jack Kalpakian, Eric Ross, Nizar Messari, Khadija Darmame - Ph.D , Meryem Aboulouafa, Aziza Boumehdi, Massimo, Tabassum, Kenza, Nezha Senhaji, Qurratulain, Mohamed Khafif , Paige Wetzel , Aliye Fatma Mataraci , Youssef, Alae Gamar , Mohammed BENOUARREK, PhD , ibtissam CHAKARA , Dr. Alaa H. Qari , Ikram Ait Hammou, Ph.D, Dr. Olayemi Abdullateef Aliyu, Sarrah Naittalb , ILHAM MEBCHOUR , Sahar Abdul Rehman, SHRM-CP, sHRBP, M.S. Fatima Zahrae CHAYAT, Fatima zohra ERRIYA, Dr Tarik Oumazzane , Sena Nur Arbag, El Mehdi El Khachia, Dr. Ibtissam ABARAR , Mariam Dahbi, Ph.D. , Dr.Mariam ELKHECHAFI , @Rhizlane Hammoud, Anne, Nada Sayarh, Phd. , Asmae El hajji, Ph.D , Az Eddine Bennani , Al Akhawayn University, School of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities and many others—thank you. Each with different level of connection and influence. I am sure I missed many names.

You have opened doors, shown me new paths, and helped me discover parts of myself I never knew existed. You’ve fueled my curiosity as a student, teacher, learner, and entrepreneur. And most importantly, you’ve reminded me of how much I can give, how my life can be a lesson for others, how much I can learn, and how much space I have to make others feel heard, encouraged, and seen. Here’s to more connections, more lessons, and more ways to uplift one another. ??

Who are the people who have shaped your journey, opened doors, or inspired you in ways you never expected?

Fatima zohra ERRIYADI

Project Management

2 周

Many thanks to you, my dear wise friend! Keep shining and brightening our days

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Maryam Saidi

Communication and Employer Brand Manager at Marjane Group

1 个月

Such a beautiful reflection on the power of human connections! Grateful for the people who inspire us to grow. Thank you Ibtissam Daif for sharing!

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Asmae El hajji, Ph.D

?? L&D Projects & Experience Designer | ?? University Educator & Researcher | ?? Entrepreneur | Program Director @ Moroccan Leadership Institute

1 个月

Such an inspiring journey ! Thank you my dear ??? So proud of you

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Dr.Mariam ELKHECHAFI

Professor | Data Scientist | AI Consultant

1 个月

Thank you Ibtissam Keep shining ??

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Cha?mae Ribani

Decolonial Intersectional Feminist | Jurist | Women, Peace & Security | Peacebuilding | Foreign Affairs & Diplomacy

1 个月

Looove this and missing it so much ??

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