This week as part of our Amsterdam International Community School Alumni "Sharing Stories" series, we hear from Joana Aiveca Palma, a marketing and communications specialist.
 

"Trust yourself and surround yourself with people who lift you up and give you that extra energy boost."

My journey at AICS began in 2010. At that time, I spoke only Portuguese and Dutch, stepping into a classroom full of unfamiliar faces without knowing a word of English. But right away, it felt like a safe space. Coming from a Dutch primary school where I was the only one with dark hair, smaller than the average Dutch child, and where Dutch wasn’t my first language, AICS was a breath of fresh air. I found myself in a class representing 16 different cultures and speaking 20+ languages. No one stood out as the “odd one,” and that inclusiveness felt truly special to me. Today, I often find myself interacting with people from various backgrounds confidently, thanks to my experience at AICS.

In just two months, I was not only speaking English fluently but also writing my first papers, presentations, and group assignments. The language and integration support AICS offered was truly priceless, setting the stage for all the learning to come. To me, AICS wasn’t just a school, it was a cultural hub, a place where I met people from all corners of the world, each with unique stories and perspectives. It became my home, where I prepared for my future and built lifelong friendships. 

After graduating in 2017, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Nyenrode Business University, followed by a Master’s in International Business with a specialization in Strategic Marketing at Maastricht University.

The road wasn’t always smooth. While there were plenty of beautiful memories, there were also moments of doubt, times when even Plan B’s felt out of reach. But I never gave up. With the full support of my family, friends, and the unforgettable teachers I encountered along the way, I kept moving forward. 

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m living the life I once dreamed of, working for myself, traveling the world, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and working on projects that not only expand my professional network but also help me grow as a person. 

So, what have I learned from these past years of education and experience? Never lose your bright, positive energy, it’s your greatest asset. Life isn’t easy, and success doesn’t just land in your lap. You must work for it every single day. What feels impossible in the moment often isn’t as far out of reach as you think. Trust yourself and surround yourself with people who lift you up and give you that extra energy boost. Some people call it luck, I believe success happens when opportunities meet competencies.

To the current students at AICS, keep going, and enjoy every moment. Your journey is just beginning, and the future is bright!