Allegra Bortoni, Grade 12
UWC Costa Rica
Around August eighteenth, I walked through the doors of the United World College of Costa Rica. I got to know my roommates, unpacked, made myself home, and received a tour around campus (in which I got lost several times at first). I gradually started talking to my second-years and co-years during some integration activities and at the cafeteria tables.
Honestly, I am not a person who throws myself into social events. The campus is full of extraordinary people, however, I thought that my closest circle of friends would form on its own with the passage of time and the various circumstances.
Eleven days later it was my birthday. It was going to be the first one I spent away from home. I had not yet spoken to most of the students, so I was only expecting to have a call with my family and perhaps order a cake.
The night before I was watching a movie with my roommates, during those days before school started we used to sleep a little late. When the clock struck twelve we went out to the cafeteria for some hot chocolate "to continue watching the movie".
When we arrived, I saw a table surrounded by most of the students that were on campus at the time. There was a cake above the tables and a birthday card signed all over on the front and back. Both of the gifts were made and prepared by them, it was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life. We shared a cake and I was hugged and wished a happy birthday by practically all of them.
As I returned to my room and rested beneath my fairy lights, I read the messages that were written on the card. I couldn’t understand some of them (since some were in languages I do not speak), however, I consider that as a detail that makes the card even more special. I particularly remember that one of the congratulations was written in Japanese characters.
Weeks and more celebrations took place as the weeks went by. I noticed that it is a campus tradition to celebrate birthdays this way. Generally, there is a group chat where people organize who is going to make the letter and the cake and define where the surprise is going to take place.
I believe this was an experience that demonstrated what the UWC spirit is really about. I am aware that it is mostly encouraged and displayed within academic and cultural diversity events. Nevertheless, I consider that those smaller-scale moments are attached the strongest to my memory. Nights and afternoons full of love, support, and shared delight.
Honestly, I am not a person who throws myself into social events. The campus is full of extraordinary people, however, I thought that my closest circle of friends would form on its own with the passage of time and the various circumstances.
Eleven days later it was my birthday. It was going to be the first one I spent away from home. I had not yet spoken to most of the students, so I was only expecting to have a call with my family and perhaps order a cake.
The night before I was watching a movie with my roommates, during those days before school started we used to sleep a little late. When the clock struck twelve we went out to the cafeteria for some hot chocolate "to continue watching the movie".
When we arrived, I saw a table surrounded by most of the students that were on campus at the time. There was a cake above the tables and a birthday card signed all over on the front and back. Both of the gifts were made and prepared by them, it was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life. We shared a cake and I was hugged and wished a happy birthday by practically all of them.
As I returned to my room and rested beneath my fairy lights, I read the messages that were written on the card. I couldn’t understand some of them (since some were in languages I do not speak), however, I consider that as a detail that makes the card even more special. I particularly remember that one of the congratulations was written in Japanese characters.
Weeks and more celebrations took place as the weeks went by. I noticed that it is a campus tradition to celebrate birthdays this way. Generally, there is a group chat where people organize who is going to make the letter and the cake and define where the surprise is going to take place.
I believe this was an experience that demonstrated what the UWC spirit is really about. I am aware that it is mostly encouraged and displayed within academic and cultural diversity events. Nevertheless, I consider that those smaller-scale moments are attached the strongest to my memory. Nights and afternoons full of love, support, and shared delight.
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