Wangyue Zhou, Grade 11
UWCSEA Dover Campus

When asked about one group of people that has had a lasting impact on me, the boarding house to which I belong is the answer. They are the first group of people I knew, even before my entry into the school. After joining the UWC community, I’m closely bonded with them. Our head of house is a kind man who cooks us delicious food for house meetings. My advisor is a Chinese teacher at UWC. She invites her advisory group to her home every week. We enjoy the time spent at her home. We watch movies, have snacks, and play games during advisory meetings. However, teachers don’t have to provide students with edibles or drinkables during advisories. This is not a “must” for the meeting. Other advisees are lovely people too. Since I‘m the smallest, they all support me with sincere encouragement when I suffer from academic and social issues. Every Wednesday night, therefore, becomes the time I‘m most anticipated for in a week. After advisories, we have house meetings in a shared space (common room) where housemates get together and talk about issues that exist in the house. The members of the house are all supportive. For example, when I had trouble printing documents, another housemate lent me his with no hesitation. I would remember these supportive people despite leaving this campus. They redefine family and kindness through their actions. I then realize that UWC is not just a school, but also a community with full of love. This is what is emphasized in the values of UWC——mutual help and respect.

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