A globally minded student from Sudan shares how stepping into the unknown helped her grow, connect, and lead with confidence.
Hudson Global Scholar: Lamis Abdulla
Hudson Global Scholars Program: Franklin School U.S. Dual Diploma Program
Home: Sudan (currently living in Türkiye)
At 16 years old, Lamis Abdulla is no stranger to change. Originally from Sudan and now living in Türkiye, her journey has been shaped by new languages, new schools, and new expectations all at once.
Ask Lamis to describe her life, and she keeps it simple. “Busy, challenging, and growing.” It is a short phrase that reflects a much bigger story of resilience, adaptability, and steady personal transformation.
When Lamis first arrived in Türkiye, everything felt unfamiliar. After years of studying in Arabic, she enrolled in an English-language school with only basic conversational skills. It was a difficult transition. “It was a hard year for me,” she shares, explaining that she was just beginning to learn English in an academic setting.
Just as she began to adjust, another change followed. She moved into a Turkish school and had to begin again with a new language. “Everyone around me speaks Turkish, and I didn’t know Turkish, so it was really hard.”
Instead of stepping back, Lamis kept moving forward. Each transition brought challenges, but also growth.
Joining Hudson Global Scholars' U.S. Dual Diploma program became another important step in Lamis’ journey. Balancing coursework between her local school and an international program pushed her to develop new habits and skills.
She explains that consistency made the difference. “Even spending just one hour or less consistently, it helps me a lot, and over time, it becomes manageable.”
Over time, she began to notice real changes in herself.
“Now I feel more in control of my schedule and responsibility,” she says. “Before, I would leave everything for last minute.” What once felt overwhelming became an opportunity to build independence and confidence.
For Lamis, one of the most meaningful parts of her experience at Hudson Global Scholars has been connecting with students from around the world. Through language clubs and the Best Buddies program, she discovered a new sense of belonging. “The idea was like a whole new world for me,” she says. “I still speak to my first buddy from the last two years.”
These relationships helped her grow more confident and comfortable reaching out to others, even across cultures and time zones.
This growing confidence inspired Lamis to take on a new role as a student ambassador. “I enjoy supporting others and being part of a positive and welcoming community,” she explains.
Her motivation is personal. She remembers what it felt like to be new and unsure. “When I was a new student, I couldn’t feel confident,” she says. “The ambassadors really inspired me.”
Now, Lamis is the one helping others to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to participate.
Lamis recently brought that same spirit of connection to Hudson’s wider student community through an innovative “Student Takeover” on Instagram, an idea she created herself. In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, she shared moments from her daily life and culture, including shopping for holiday supplies, celebrating with family, and preparing a traditional Sudanese dessert called qabil ghazal.
As Hudson’s first Instagram student takeover, the project gave other students a chance to experience another culture in a personal and authentic way. By sharing traditions, celebrations, and everyday experiences, Lamis helped bring the global community closer together and encouraged cultural understanding beyond the classroom.
Beyond the classroom and her academic commitments, Lamis finds balance through creativity. She recently rediscovered her interest in crochet after joining a club, turning it into a relaxing and meaningful activity.
She also enjoys exploring cultures through shows, food, and learning about different lifestyles. “I love the idea of traveling and discovering new places, food, lifestyles,” she says. “It really inspires me and keeps me curious about the world.”
With a full schedule, Lamis has learned how to manage stress by shifting her mindset. “I remind myself why I started,” she explains. “I take a short break, organize my thoughts, and then focus on one task at a time.” This strategy helps her to see her workload not as pressure, but as something that will help her in the future.
For students navigating change or new environments, Lamis offers honest encouragement.
“Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things,” she says. “It might be difficult at first, but with effort and consistency, you can achieve more than you think.”
She reflects on how much she herself has changed. “Before, I was too scared to talk to people,” she shares. “But just go to your goals, and you will achieve it.”
Lamis’s journey as a global scholar is still unfolding, but one thing is clear. Growth happens when you are willing to try, adapt, and keep going. Her story shows that even in unfamiliar places and unexpected changes, it is possible to build confidence, find connection, and step into new opportunities with courage, no matter where your studies—and your life—take you!