A Journey from ACS Athens to Literary Success

Sara Hamdan, an ACS Athens alumna from the Class of 2002, embodies the power of perseverance and creative courage. A celebrated author, journalist, and storyteller, Sara has taken her passion for words to extraordinary heights, culminating in the release of her debut novel, What Will People Think?. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and global citizenship, nurtured by her time at ACS Athens.

Roots in ACS Athens: A Foundation for Exploration

Sara’s years at ACS Athens were formative in shaping her drive and creativity. A proud member of the “nerd squad,” as she affectionately describes her high-achieving group of friends, Sara thrived academically and socially. 

Her fondest memories include playing Varsity Volleyball and Tennis, and traveling to Germany and the Netherlands for school competitions. “If you don’t make it, keep trying,” she recalls as a lesson learned at ACS Athens. Sara exemplified this mindset, as she worked her way to eventually earning the coveted Coach’s Award in both sports.

Sara’s passion for storytelling was sparked by Ms. Vellis, her favorite teacher at ACS Athens, who introduced her to the beauty of short stories and guided her to become a finalist in oral interpretation competitions. “That experience sparked something in me,” she reflects. This love for narratives has stayed with her throughout her life and career.

A World of Experience: From Business to Literature

Sara’s journey after ACS Athens was a winding road of discovery. She studied business at UC Berkeley, worked as a banker at Merrill Lynch, and pursued a master’s degree at Columbia University. From there, she ventured into journalism, writing for The New York Times, where her reporting even serendipitously introduced her to her future husband. Her career included editorial stints at Google and a U.S. tech venture capital firm before she took the leap into full-time authorship.

Her defining moment came during the pandemic, when she won a Netflix short story award. This milestone confirmed her calling as a writer and provided the validation she needed to pursue her lifelong dream. Reflecting on her achievements, Sara says, “Finding success as a creative is difficult, but absolutely fulfilling.”

The Debut Novel: A Reflection of Identity

Sara’s novel, What Will People Think?, is a heartfelt exploration of cultural identity, family expectations, and personal ambition. The book draws from her own experiences as a Palestinian American raised in Greece and living in Dubai for the past 20 years. Her storytelling showcases the nuances of navigating multiple cultures, and her work has been celebrated for its authenticity and relatability.

When she’s not writing, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing music with an amateur band, and soaking up the sun on Dubai’s beaches.

Words of Wisdom for ACS Athens Students

Sara remains deeply connected to ACS Athens and is eager to inspire current students. “Don’t be afraid of failure,” she advises. “Learn to take risks, and remember, you don’t have to know where you’re going to get where you want to be.” For her, the ACS Athens community was a launchpad for self-discovery, teaching her the importance of persistence and curiosity.

Sara’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, global experiences, and following one’s passions. She encourages current ACS Athens students to explore their talents and embrace the journey of finding their place in the world.

For more about Sara Hamdan and her novel What Will People Think?, visit her website at www.sarahamdan.com.