Insiya Mohamedali, Grade 12
UWCEA Arusha
I was fortunate enough to have been in an international school from my very first day of kindergarten. ISM, International School Moshi(Arusha campus) now has its legacy continued by UWCEA, United World College East Africa. Prior to writing this article, I thought "I have had a very privileged education all my life, I grew up in one of the best schools in East Africa, how much of a difference could being a part of UWC make for me?". I rummaged through my old journals looking through my growth over these past four years, delighted to have found three most prominent instances that have highlighted the change being a part of UWC has brought for me.
The first is, meeting brilliant people from all over the world. I remember orientation day. I walked into the performance area of the school that I had been going to for 15 years, but it felt like I had never been there before. 50 NEW STUDENTS! So many people I had never met were now my classmates. I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and openness I felt. Many of us have never met but we were all here at UWC for very similar reasons and that mutual understanding in itself connects us as one.
The second is, getting the chance to be exposed to so many different stories and backgrounds has been so important for my personal growth. I am learning how to communicate with different personality types as well as how to relate to people who come from completely different parts of the world.
The third is, realizing the ample opportunities that the UWC experience offers me to network and advance myself as a lifelong learner. Not only does CAS push me to stir my creativity but it also makes me more aware of my community. I am grateful to have so many supportive teachers and applications that the school provides to help me find resources easily.
There are so many moments that pass, reminding me of how surreal my personal experience is as a UWC student. When I walk to class with a couple of friends and we're talking about what they expect of their own futures.Or when we have debates on the lunch table regarding whether men can be feminists too. Or when I hosted 10 borders in my home during the December break and played monopoly together until 2 am on most nights. Or when my Latin peer and I came to the conclusion that East African and Latin parents hold so many of the same values and raise their children so similarly, at that moment we felt so understood by each other. UWC upholds its mission to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. I have felt this every step of the way.
I am ever so grateful for the exposure UWC has provided me. The friends I have made, whether temporary or lifelong. I value each deep conversation I have had on the swings so close to my heart. I am humbled by each challenge I am presented with and every competition that lies ahead.
There are too many moments for me to pick from, each one refreshing and warm.
The first is, meeting brilliant people from all over the world. I remember orientation day. I walked into the performance area of the school that I had been going to for 15 years, but it felt like I had never been there before. 50 NEW STUDENTS! So many people I had never met were now my classmates. I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and openness I felt. Many of us have never met but we were all here at UWC for very similar reasons and that mutual understanding in itself connects us as one.
The second is, getting the chance to be exposed to so many different stories and backgrounds has been so important for my personal growth. I am learning how to communicate with different personality types as well as how to relate to people who come from completely different parts of the world.
The third is, realizing the ample opportunities that the UWC experience offers me to network and advance myself as a lifelong learner. Not only does CAS push me to stir my creativity but it also makes me more aware of my community. I am grateful to have so many supportive teachers and applications that the school provides to help me find resources easily.
There are so many moments that pass, reminding me of how surreal my personal experience is as a UWC student. When I walk to class with a couple of friends and we're talking about what they expect of their own futures.Or when we have debates on the lunch table regarding whether men can be feminists too. Or when I hosted 10 borders in my home during the December break and played monopoly together until 2 am on most nights. Or when my Latin peer and I came to the conclusion that East African and Latin parents hold so many of the same values and raise their children so similarly, at that moment we felt so understood by each other. UWC upholds its mission to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. I have felt this every step of the way.
I am ever so grateful for the exposure UWC has provided me. The friends I have made, whether temporary or lifelong. I value each deep conversation I have had on the swings so close to my heart. I am humbled by each challenge I am presented with and every competition that lies ahead.
There are too many moments for me to pick from, each one refreshing and warm.
www.unitedworldwide.co