Gino Ndiko, Grade 12
UWCEA Arusha Campus
So many experiences and people have shaped who I am today. I am grateful for both the good and bad things that have happened to me because they helped me grow emotionally and mentally as a person. Firstly, I would not be who I am without my mother. This lady is passionate about academics pushing me to be my best self. Despite her strictness and her being difficult to relate to, I know she sacrifices a lot to provide the best for my siblings and me. She is the reason I work so hard in everything so that I will be able to repay her in the future.
Before I joined UWC, I was at a traditional Ugandan Christian school called Gayaza High School. In more ways than one, this institution instilled certain values in me that I see as essential. It treasured treating people with kindness and respect among other things. I was able to foster meaningful friendships with people who showed me as much love as I showed them. Leaving such friends behind and joining this new environment was one of the things I was most scared of, but I am glad that I did.
When I was growing up, my favourite movie to watch was the original The Lion King. To this day, the movie still resonates with me as one of the greatest Disney movies. Since I watch it every month, it gives me a great sense of nostalgia in times when we’re growing up and forced to act more mature. I am grateful for the child-like joy this movie brings me especially on certain overwhelming days.
One other important person is my best friend Adia. We are complete opposites in every aspect with probably only two things in common, but she is the one I love the most. If I have a problem, she is the first person I tell despite us currently living in different countries. She always makes me smile on a sad day and always knows what to say.
Lastly, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go to a United World College. Before I went to the school, I was extremely shy and introverted. The school encouraged me to come out of my shell and take on new activities that I never knew I was capable of. I would not have been as happy as I am if I had not met the amazing people that I met at the beginning. I appreciate all the happy and sad moments that happened with them. They remind me each and everyday that it is important to look at the bright side of every situation. I have a lot to be thankful for and I cannot wait to experience this with every person I hold dear to me.
Before I joined UWC, I was at a traditional Ugandan Christian school called Gayaza High School. In more ways than one, this institution instilled certain values in me that I see as essential. It treasured treating people with kindness and respect among other things. I was able to foster meaningful friendships with people who showed me as much love as I showed them. Leaving such friends behind and joining this new environment was one of the things I was most scared of, but I am glad that I did.
When I was growing up, my favourite movie to watch was the original The Lion King. To this day, the movie still resonates with me as one of the greatest Disney movies. Since I watch it every month, it gives me a great sense of nostalgia in times when we’re growing up and forced to act more mature. I am grateful for the child-like joy this movie brings me especially on certain overwhelming days.
One other important person is my best friend Adia. We are complete opposites in every aspect with probably only two things in common, but she is the one I love the most. If I have a problem, she is the first person I tell despite us currently living in different countries. She always makes me smile on a sad day and always knows what to say.
Lastly, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go to a United World College. Before I went to the school, I was extremely shy and introverted. The school encouraged me to come out of my shell and take on new activities that I never knew I was capable of. I would not have been as happy as I am if I had not met the amazing people that I met at the beginning. I appreciate all the happy and sad moments that happened with them. They remind me each and everyday that it is important to look at the bright side of every situation. I have a lot to be thankful for and I cannot wait to experience this with every person I hold dear to me.
www.unitedworldwide.co