Student Story

Abdullah poses with another CEC student after achieving his first “Mastery” in Symbol Relations.
Abdullah Qandeel
World-renowned artist, Abdullah Qandeel, talks about how he benefits from the Arrowsmith Program™ and his decision to relocate to Geneva and enroll in the Cognitive Enhancement Centre.

Abdullah poses with another CEC student after achieving his first “Mastery” in Symbol Relations.
Abdullah Qandeel
World-renowned artist, Abdullah Qandeel, talks about how he benefits from the Arrowsmith Program™ and his decision to relocate to Geneva and enroll in the Cognitive Enhancement Centre.
Q: What led you to do the Arrowsmith Program?
A: My brother had severe learning difficulties, he attended the [Arrowsmith] program for two years and I saw him changing into a self-directed student and self-confided. Also, I’m lucky enough to have a father who believes in me.
Q: As a successful artist, why did you feel the need to go through the Arrowsmith Program?
A: I felt the need to start Arrowsmith when I accepted the fact that in order for me to become a better artist, I needed to sharpen my spear i.e. my brain. I was honest enough to say “I could be better at this or that”. Especially, I found my very short-term memory, mathematics and reading to be below what I desired… This was something that I had to be brave enough to admit. Now having started the program, I see an improvement from week to week and I don’t want to stop fueling positive self-esteem to myself.
Q: What benefits are you seeing since you started with Arrowsmith? And, what are the outcomes you hope to achieve from Arrowsmith?
A: Better memory from conversations, able to think rationally a bit better with less influence from emotions. Artists usually have to tap into the strong emotion they have but having it switched on all the time was exhausting for me and sometimes draining on others. I’m starting to see the switch is actually there. Finally, being an artist and traveling the world it’s nice to focus on something for a year, especially when it’s good for me! Therefore, I find [Arrowsmith] a great self-esteem booster.
Q: Arrowsmith is offered in other parts of the globe. Why did you choose to relocate to Geneva and enroll in the Cognitive Enhancement Centre?
A: Family is the most important component of life and this is where my family is.
Q: What is it like living in Geneva and being part of the CEC community?
A: It’s definitely slower than New York City. However, I’m finding… it that living in Geneva is enabling me to actually think more than do. Sometimes slowing down allows you to appreciate the good things in life.
Q: What are the biggest hurdles you had to overcome to do Arrowsmith in CEC?
A: Myself. I’m not used to sitting down for so long, that was the first challenge initially. Then, as I started the exercises it was more of a “self challenge”. Can I improve or not? That curiosity got me passed the initial hurdle. Now, it’s gradually getting harder and more complex, just enough not to push me away!
Q: Would you recommend Arrowsmith/CEC to others and why?
A: Yes, without a doubt. Step 1: Do the test and figure out what you are strong and weak at.
To find out more about CEC and the Arrowsmith Program, send us an email info@cognitiveenhancementcentre.ch
The CEC Team would be happy to answer your questions about our Programs and Assessments.
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You can also take our Cognitive Profile Questionnaire to help determine if you or your child's learning difficulties are typical of those addressed by the Arrowsmith Program.