Profile of outstanding female achievers in official Baccalaureate exams

The recently published results of success rates for first achievers in Lebanon Baccalaureate (Grade 12) official exams in its four branches showed that a significant proportion of the highest achievers were females who were interviewed by As Safir newspaper. Sara Souki, first in social studies/economics SE, scoring 480 points out of 530, and who chose to major in international law outside Lebanon, said that while she relied on herself yet a big credit goes to her school “Amjad” which supported her with all means possible. Zainab Hadi from the same school came first in general sciences scoring 536 out of 570 points, and chose to major in mechanical engineering. Razan Amin also from Amjad, came second in SE, with 471 out of 530 points, said she is still hesitating between international economics or architecture. Abir Jallool, another high achiever, third in SE, with 464 out of 530 points, and future major in economics, pointed out that the key to success is confidence in oneself.  Marwa Meshayk, from the same school, came 4th in SE, scoring 460 out of 530 points, said she will study medicine as it is a noble profession. Like Jallool and Meshayk, Yasmine Abu Hamdan, also from School, came 8th in SE, scoring 447 out of 530 points, said she will major in economics. For her part, Ghada Yussef from Qobayyat Public School for Girls in Akkar was second in humanities and literature, scoring 369 out of 480 points, and received a scholarship from the Ministry to study film direction. Finally, the newspaper highlighted the case of Aseel Jaafar from Tyre High School for Girls, who came third in life sciences. Jaafar said she plans to specialize in medicine, oncology at the Lebanese University, which she described as the last resort for distinguished students coming from low-income background. (As Safir, 25 July 2015)