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Student Jana Khairy with AUC President receiving an award in commencement

A Balancing Act: Jana Khairy’s Journey at AUC

AUC taught Jana Khairy many things, but one lesson stands out above the rest: how to balance it all. Now, the scholarship recipient and double award winner shares her top tips for university success.
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  2. A Balancing Act: Jana Khairy’s Journey at AUC

There were classes, presentations and exams, of course. But there were also student clubs, leadership roles, friendships and family. For the finance major, who was supported by the Youssef Nabih Endowed Scholarship and graduated at the top of her class this spring with both the Mohamed El Beleidy Academic Award and the President’s Cup, learning how to make room for each of them became the defining part of her journey.

“I’m really proud to receive these awards; it’s amazing,” she says. 

For Jana, the recognition represents years of hard work, personal growth and the support of the people who helped her along the way. The day she shared news of the Mohamed El Beleidy Academic Award and the President’s Cup with her family is a memory she will never forget. “We were all crying,” she says. “They felt so proud, and they were so happy. These awards are not just for me; they’re for anyone who’s helped me, for everyone who’s supported me,” she says. “It means the world.”

Jana’s Playbook: How to Balance It All

1. Embrace the Stress of New Challenges

Arriving at AUC from an IGCSE background, Jana had to quickly adjust from studying for a single final exam to juggling back-to-back presentations, group projects and quizzes. While standing in front of a room speaking to strangers was initially overwhelming, she leaned into it.

“It was extremely stressful at first, but I was very excited to learn something new that would help me in the real job market,” she recalls. “I ended up loving the group work... I ended up being very comfortable and confident in my skills.”

2. Seek Leadership Roles Beyond the Classroom

That newfound confidence followed her into student organizations. As the head of events and public relations for the Economics Association (EA), Jana organized seven major campus events and managed recruitment.

“To be able to pick specific people I know would be good for these jobs: this is leadership,” she says. “These are skills I wouldn’t have learned if it weren’t for EA.” She also stepped up as a teaching assistant: “If I’m giving it back to other students and they understand, this makes me happy.”

3. Never Hesitate to Ask Questions

When it came to navigating complex course work, like building full financial models in corporate finance or giving 60-second pitches in private equity, Jana credits her close communication with faculty.

“If I have questions, I don’t have to worry about asking the professor. I just ask,” she advises. “It completely improves the learning experience.”

4. Embrace Opportunities 

Jana’s journey proves that earning a scholarship is an opportunity to tune out outside noise and pour your energy into your goals. During a period of economic uncertainty across Egypt, the Youssef Nabih Endowed Scholarship provided vital financial relief, allowing her to make the absolute most of her time at AUC.

“The scholarship played an important role in easing the stress so that I could focus on my academics and not the situation around the country,” Jana explains. “When [donors] remove some stress, this makes us succeed.”

5. Build a Support System for the “Downfalls”

Asked what stands out most about her experience at AUC, she doesn’t mention a particular class or award. “All the connections I’ve made,” she says. “The community is amazing. Everyone was so helpful. The best friendships I’ve made were in this university.”

The friendships she built became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience. So did the support she received from her family, who supported her through every setback and celebrated every success. 

“Downfalls happen. It’s completely fine to feel like you’ve given up,” she says. “The most important thing is to rely on your family and friends to pull you back up.”

6. The Ultimate Balancing Act

Now preparing for the CFA Level I exam and dreaming of a future role as a multinational CFO, Jana wants to break the stereotype that top grades require sacrificing your youth.

“The most important thing for me at AUC was that I learned the skill of balancing your life, not just academic skills,” she says. “There’s a misconception that if you’re good at academics, you don’t have much of a social life,” she says. “If you really manage your time and put a goal in your head, you can do everything.”