Karin Bascaro has worked at DESC since September 2012, when she joined the Modern Foreign Languages department as a Spanish Language Assistant. She has three children who all attended the College, who have all gone on to pursue wonderful careers. Tonito (29), Rodrigo (26) and Paulina (22) are members of the DESSC Alumni who have given up time in their busy schedules to take a trip down the DESC memory lane.

When you were here at DESC as a student, who were your favourite teachers?

Paulina: I was lucky to be part of DESC from the beginning of Year 7 all the way through to the end of Year 13. I had so many favourite teachers throughout my time at the College, however, the most memorable ones would have to include Mr. Hall for History. I have never come across a teacher so passionate about their subject; his passion for the subject was infectious. Mrs Booth was my Maths teacher when I was in the Sixth Form; I would not have survived A level Maths without her help and patience. Finally, Mrs Godfrey, who always believed in my art projects and my form Tutor, Mr Redondo, who made the early school morning Tutor Time so enjoyable.

Tonito: I can’t really pick a favourite teacher since all the teachers I had throughout the years were very special. Each of them helped me in a way either by guiding me, pushing me to be better, or even just being a friendly support. However, I believe that Mrs Weighell had the greatest impact on me; she was always there to help me, even after I stopped taking Music as a subject. Mr Treble was the funniest guy, and taught us to look at the bright side of life in every aspect.

Rodrigo: The teachers that spring to mind when I look back on my time at DESC include Mr Treble, Mrs Cuddihy, Mr Nash, Mr Randall, Mr Barratt, Ms White, Mr Green, Mr Vizzard and many others. They were the teachers that had the biggest impact on me whilst I was a student at DESC, due to the passion they displayed for their given subjects as well as their commitment to help me grow inside and outside of the classroom.

What are the outstanding memories that you cherish about your time here at DESC?

Rodrigo: Being a keen sportsperson, my outstanding memories at DESC are mainly concerned with the sporting opportunities that were sporting opportunities that were made available to me. I clearly remember all the Sports Days, all of the races and sprints and the fantastic atmosphere that was created around sport. Plus, the various school trips, House competitions and the competitive rugby and football matches against so many other schools. I was particularly proud of representing DESC in the Dubai Rugby 7s.

Paulina: As we were always encouraged to take part in as many activities as possible, I was able to make some outstanding memories at DESC. I thoroughly enjoyed being selected as Deputy Head of Coast House, this was such an honour and a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills which have since developed even further in my life after DESC. I also loved being part of the College Performing Arts productions such as Grease and The Sound of Music; it was always so wonderful to see it come together from start to end with such professional guidance and direction.

Tonito: I was at DESC during the very early years, when our sports teams were developing and only picking up the odd victory. One of my most memorable moments is when we beat Dubai College on the rugby pitch for the first time in DESC’s history.

What were the most important skills that you learnt that have helped you the most?

Paulina: The most important skills that I learnt at DESC that have helped me the most during my studies at University and then in the working world are organisation and discipline with deadlines. I personally feel that I would not have developed these skills if it wasn’t for DESC and the importance that my teachers placed on them. DESC prepared me for adult life especially when it comes to things like interviews, punctuality and confidence with public speaking. I started gaining experience in these areas towards my final years at DESC with the interview processes for Head of House and other leadership roles. Therefore, when I went to University, I felt confident going through the process of applying for internships and eventually landing my first paid job.

Rodrigo: It is difficult to describe the most important skills that I learnt at DESC, however, I definitely learnt that it is important to try new things in life, even if you are not good at them or they scare you. Developing confidence working outside of your comfort zone is certainly an aspect that I was able to improve on at DESC. I believe that everyone must start from somewhere and the only way to improve is by practising as much as you can.

Tonito: DESC helped me to start getting into good habits early on to manage my time adequately to do all the things that you wish to do as well as all the things that you must do. It also taught me to not be scared to try new things and take risks.

What is your story? Where did you go to University, what challenges have you had to overcome and what are you doing now?

Tonito: After leaving DESC, I went to the US where I was successfully awarded my Pilot licenses and an Associates Degree in Aeronautical Science and Technology. I believe that the standard of education that I received at DESC definitely prepared me well while studying for my degree. After graduating I started working as a Flight instructor at Aviator College, then a year and a half later I moved to Guatemala and started working for Avianca flying the ATR72. Five years further on, I moved into the corporate sector and now I fly a Citation 550 for a family owned business.

Paulina: After doing my research and really deciding on what career path I wanted to take, I attended Heriot-Watt University in Dubai and was awarded a BA in Fashion Marketing and Retail. During my studies I was able to take part in a lot of fun projects for brands like Victoria Secret and Nike, working as their student brand ambassador. However, one of the biggest challenges that I had to overcome during my time in University was undoubtably Covid. The transition from in-person to online work was a challenge, however, the experience prepared me well as many companies and organisations now operate virtually in a number of areas. As of now, I have been working for a Fashion Consultancy for over a year after completing a three month internship which led to my first job offer as a Digital Marketing Manager.

Rodrigo: I am Guatemalan born, where I completed my primary school education in Spanish. I then moved to Dubai at the age of 11 without knowing much English. I learnt my English at DESC; all my teachers were very supportive and accommodating to my situation. 

Before I knew it, English became almost like another first language. I decided I would like to pursue a career in medicine and applied to various universities in Europe. I was accepted onto an English language Medical degree at the Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy where I studied for six years and recently graduated from. I have now moved to the UK and work as a doctor in the NHS training programme, where I hope to complete all my training and become a consultant.

There were many challenges that came with studying in Italy, since I had to learn yet another language that was completely foreign to me whilst at the same time juggling my medical studies. Although it was tough, I am sure that DESC prepared me to overcome these challenges.

What advice would you give to students who are at DESC now?

Paulina: Some advice that I would give to students at DESC now is to make the most of all the opportunities offered to you. The more you do, the more you will figure out what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Oh… and don’t be rude to any of your teachers, they are truly doing their best for you, but you will only truly understand that later on.

Rodrigo: My advice to all students would be to make the most of all the opportunities you have in front of you and don’t be scared to fail. DESC provides an immense range of activities, facilities and knowledgeable staff that allow you to practice your skills or learn new ones. Now is the time where you should be trying anything you are curious about, anything that might intrigue you, go for it. It is a win-win situation where you either discover something you really enjoy or you learn what you don’t like, it is all part of the process of growing up.

How do you feel about being part of the DESSC Alumni?

Tonito: I am proud to be a member of the DESC Alumni and to have been part of only the second Year group to ever graduate from DESC. I have had the opportunity to visit DESC on multiple occasions and it has been amazing to see how things have changed so much, and how much the College has grown.

Paulina: I personally feel very proud to tell anybody that I am a DESC Alumni member. I carry a sense of pride whenever someone asks me where I studied here in the UAE and to be able to say that I was a part of DESC for most of my education here in Dubai along with my siblings.

Rodrigo: I am so proud to see how much the school has grown in the time we have been away without dropping their high standards of education. I would love to help students at DESC find opportunities for whatever it is that they would like to go on and become once their College days are over. Perhaps, one day I can come and share my knowledge with the current DESC students.