Among the excited families gathered for Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Showtime!, Dr. Sarah Al-Khawaja, a graduate of Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), a QF partner university, watched with anticipation, waiting for her daughter’s first-ever performance.

As the curtains lifted, Dr. Al-Khawaja felt a mix of pride and excitement, knowing this moment marked the beginning of something special for her child. “She’s performing among the cast, and we’re all here – her cousins, relatives, and family – to cheer her on. It’s her first time in QF’s Showtime!, and she’s incredibly passionate about it.”

“From the very beginning, she embraced the experience wholeheartedly, immersing herself in every moment,” she added.

For Dr. Al-Khawaja, the experience of watching her daughter step into the world of performing arts was both thrilling and eye-opening. Coming from a medical background, she initially imagined her daughter following a similar academic path. However, as she witnessed her child’s growing passion for music and theater, she knew she had to support it.

“We naturally think about guiding our children toward fields like science or medicine,” she explained. “But when I saw how much she loved art and music, I knew I had to encourage her. She’s truly talented, and seeing her thrive in this environment is incredible.”

Dr. Al-Khawaja believes that passion is the key to success. “If someone loves what they do, they will innovate and excel, regardless of the field. That’s why it’s so important to support our children’s interests, whether in the arts, sciences, or any other discipline.”

Having grown up within QF’s ecosystem, Dr. Al-Khawaja deeply values the opportunities it provides for students to explore and develop their talents. “Studying at WCM-Q exposed me to countless possibilities, and now, seeing my daughter benefit from the same enriching environment through her school, Qatar Academy Doha (QAD) part of QF’s Pre University Education, is inspiring.

“Such experiences foster creativity and empower students to discover and nurture their passions from an early age.”

More than just an extracurricular activity, QF’s Showtime! provides students with a high-caliber theatrical experience. Dr. Al-Khawaja was particularly impressed by the level of professionalism in the production.

“It’s incredibly well-organized and sophisticated. The way the students have been trained and prepared is outstanding. This isn’t just a school play; it’s an experience that builds confidence, discipline, and artistic skill.”

She also noted how the program has helped her daughter grow beyond the stage. “Through this experience, she has not only gained confidence in performing but also improved her Arabic pronunciation and articulation. It’s amazing to see how much she has developed in such a short time.”

Reflecting on the broader impact of QF, Dr. Al-Khawaja expressed gratitude for the enriching environment it provides, she said: “QF graduates go on to achieve so much, and that’s exactly what I envision for my children. Knowing that they are growing up in this ecosystem, surrounded by inspiration and opportunity, makes me incredibly proud.”

As the performance ended with applause and cheers from the audience, Dr. Al-Khawaja knew this was just the beginning of her daughter’s artistic journey—one she would continue to support every step of the way.