Alexandra Thompson, Grade 11
UWC Mostar
In my time at UWC Mostar, I have met such beautiful, inspiring, and idealistic people. Some more one quality than others and some more an even spread of positivity and optimism. One group of people I have met sticks out to me, as whilst UWC and its community has opened my mind in ways I could not imagine and filled me with hope, there is one specific collective that has forever imprinted me with such an impact, and altered my life’s course. Each in their different ways, they have imparted upon me knowledge and learned a different way to love in conscious and subconscious ways.
Whilst it felt that even after the first week that so many bonds had been formed and groups solidified, I panicked about not having found any ‘real’ connection, and felt quite isolated despite being met by friendly faces and waves at every turnabout.
A friend and I met during induction week, in the midst of the stress of a new environment and constant activities, heat, and confusion. She asked me to go for pizza with her. Her leap of courage was met with my ‘yes’, which terrified me. The thought that someone wanted to spend time with me was surprising, as somehow, despite the diversity and difference, I felt like a total outsider. I cannot thank her enough for having asked me. We talked about everything and anything, and I felt that we really, really connected from that moment on. I have come to know such a sweet, kind, and caring person. This person’s room often was a meeting point and where we would talk until late in the night. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. We have laughed endlessly together, and she has taught me how to allow myself to have fun and to seek adventure.
I felt another one of these ‘aha moments’ with someone near the end of September. We sat and talked in the kitchen in my residence. Again, there was no moment quite like it. One of the topics I remember most connecting with them was in regards to music. It was fascinating just how much we had in common- it was like another part of me existed in the world, and I had just met them. They lifted me up in moments I didn’t know I needed. They are a person who just being around automatically boosting your mood. I know this person to have the best jokes, and they always know what to say in times of trouble or times of joy.
The last person has taught me how to deal with and process emotion. She has individually led me on a wonderful and exciting journey in life. She has given me the courage to be myself and how to ‘feel the fear but do things anyway’. When I would forget my jacket, she would immediately lend me hers, and a hat if it was cold out. She would ask twice if I was okay and wait for the response.
Together, we have had many conversations lasting hours, and experiences that I couldn’t have wished for other people to have done so alongside. We have eaten countless times at the Palačinka Bar, a local delicacy.
I feel surrounded by such caring, empathetic people, whom I can trust. I look forward to our next meeting, like nothing I have ever. Each has taught me something different about love and how it transcends distance and time zone. I have truly felt what it is to trust others. I have felt love in a way I never have before and felt appreciated and seen. They have, to me, redefined what it is to be kind and empathetic. I have been surrounded by such in-tune listeners, who have shown me what it is to go above and beyond, but also how to simply just show up for others, in both large and minuscule ways.
I am beyond grateful that the universe- and of course, UWC- have brought us together, where we can explore each of our own worlds, together.
Whilst it felt that even after the first week that so many bonds had been formed and groups solidified, I panicked about not having found any ‘real’ connection, and felt quite isolated despite being met by friendly faces and waves at every turnabout.
A friend and I met during induction week, in the midst of the stress of a new environment and constant activities, heat, and confusion. She asked me to go for pizza with her. Her leap of courage was met with my ‘yes’, which terrified me. The thought that someone wanted to spend time with me was surprising, as somehow, despite the diversity and difference, I felt like a total outsider. I cannot thank her enough for having asked me. We talked about everything and anything, and I felt that we really, really connected from that moment on. I have come to know such a sweet, kind, and caring person. This person’s room often was a meeting point and where we would talk until late in the night. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. We have laughed endlessly together, and she has taught me how to allow myself to have fun and to seek adventure.
I felt another one of these ‘aha moments’ with someone near the end of September. We sat and talked in the kitchen in my residence. Again, there was no moment quite like it. One of the topics I remember most connecting with them was in regards to music. It was fascinating just how much we had in common- it was like another part of me existed in the world, and I had just met them. They lifted me up in moments I didn’t know I needed. They are a person who just being around automatically boosting your mood. I know this person to have the best jokes, and they always know what to say in times of trouble or times of joy.
The last person has taught me how to deal with and process emotion. She has individually led me on a wonderful and exciting journey in life. She has given me the courage to be myself and how to ‘feel the fear but do things anyway’. When I would forget my jacket, she would immediately lend me hers, and a hat if it was cold out. She would ask twice if I was okay and wait for the response.
Together, we have had many conversations lasting hours, and experiences that I couldn’t have wished for other people to have done so alongside. We have eaten countless times at the Palačinka Bar, a local delicacy.
I feel surrounded by such caring, empathetic people, whom I can trust. I look forward to our next meeting, like nothing I have ever. Each has taught me something different about love and how it transcends distance and time zone. I have truly felt what it is to trust others. I have felt love in a way I never have before and felt appreciated and seen. They have, to me, redefined what it is to be kind and empathetic. I have been surrounded by such in-tune listeners, who have shown me what it is to go above and beyond, but also how to simply just show up for others, in both large and minuscule ways.
I am beyond grateful that the universe- and of course, UWC- have brought us together, where we can explore each of our own worlds, together.
www.unitedworldwide.co