Interview to Neda Rezqui, one of the most brilliant former students we have had. We wanted to ask her about her secrets to achieve such amazing results. This is what she has told us.
We hope you enjoy reading it. We have done it.
Q: How old were you when you came to Spain? Were you a good student in Morocco?
A: I came to Spain when I was 15 years old. I have always been a very good student and got the best grades in class.
Q: What languages did you speak when you came here?
A: I spoke Moroccan and French.
Q: What month did you arrive in Spain?
A: I arrived In the middle of October.
Q: How was your arrival at the IES Miguel Delibes without speaking Spanish?
A: At the time, I was scared but I was also curious like any other teenager facing a new and unknown world, where I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know how to speak Spanish, which is what scared me the most.
Q: Who helped you with the language?
A: I had Spanish classes for three hours on Tuesdays, but besides that I studied at home. I think what helped me the most to learn is speaking. I had a friend with whom I started to speak and I am very grateful to her because she was very patient with me and always corrected me and explained things to me. And I, for my part, was very observant when someone was talking, I would watch to see when people use some expressions, how to conjugate verbs, etc.
Q: How long did it take you to start understanding Spanish?
A: I started to understand it in about a year, but each year I understood it better and better.
Q: What was it like to start learning English in addition to Spanish?
A: I started learning English when I was in my first year of high school. At first, it seemed impossible to learn because the level of the class was very advanced, and I could hardly understand anything in class, but I didn’t give up even though I failed all the exams.
Q: One of the problems of people not achieving their dreams is that they don’t dedicate enough time and effort to work for them. How many hours a day did you dedicate to catch up with your classmates?
A: I don’t remember exactly, but in the first three years I dedicated a lot of time, because I had a very clear objective and I had no problem dedicating the necessary time to achieve it.
Q: When you finished the 4th year of ESO, why did you decide to study Bachillerato?
A: Because I always had it very clear, I knew I wanted to do the science track and then go to university. Although many people told me that it was super difficult and that I shouldn’t do it because I would only get frustrated and that it was impossible, those comments didn’t affect me and I knew I could do it.
Q: Was the change from ESO to Bachillerato very hard?
A: Yes, the change was very noticeable, especially in the first year. In the second year I took it easy because I had already gotten into a rhythm.
Q: What role did your parents play in your daily work?
A: My parents were supporting and encouraging me all the time and still are.
Q: What are you studying now?
A: I’m currently getting a degree in optics and optometry at the Complutense University of Madrid, which is the university I’ve always wanted to study at.
Q: Where does your motivation come from to do all that you have done?
A: I can’t tell you where it comes from, but since I was a child, I have always been known for my responsibility and dedication to my studies. I have always thought that nothing is impossible if you try hard enough.
Q: What sacrifices have you had to make?
A: The time I have dedicated, which a teenager would prefer to use for other activities.
Q: Do you think the sacrifices have been worth it?
A: Yes, very much so. It’s been worth it because I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all that effort.
Q: How does it make you feel to think that you’ve achieved all that on your own?
A: I’m very proud of myself for having achieved all this. I have never given up, not even in the most difficult moments or under great pressure, I have always been able to cope and get by.
Q: What would you say to all those students who are not motivated to study and think that studying is useless?
A: I understand perfectly how they feel. Sometimes, the idea of studying can seem boring or pointless, especially when we don’t see immediate results, that’s why I want to share my experience: study and effort are worth it. Even if you don’t see immediate results, every effort counts.
Q: Any tricks for studying?
A: Everyone has to find a study method that works for them.
Many thanks also to the IES Miguel Delibes high school. During these years, this place has been much more than an educational center for me. It has been a place where I have grown, learned and found support. The teachers have been very helpful, not only teaching me, but also motivating me to reach my goals, and the Instituto Miguel Delibes has been an important part of my life.
We thank her for her time and availability to do the interview