Food for the soul

UWCSEA STORIES

Food for the soul

dinner with Scholars

UWCSEA’s annual Dinners with Scholars in November saw community members come together for exceptional evenings of sharing stories over delicious home cooked food. Hosted on two consecutive evenings at East and Dover campuses, the events offered the community a unique chance to immerse themselves in the scholars’ lives, to learn about the path that had brought them to UWCSEA and the impact of their UWCSEA education so far. Some of the scholars who spoke on the evening’s panel had just joined the College in August and others had been here for a few years. “Since the first day I came to UWCSEA, I have felt so welcome and special. In my home country, I moved schools 12 times. And as a result, I didn’t always have friends to spend my birthday with. But since the first day I walked through the door at UWCSEA, I have been cared for in a way that makes me feel like I truly belong and so lucky to be here–thank you,” said Vika from Belarus. In reflecting about how a UWCSEA education has changed their perspective on life, Phunziro, a scholar from Malawi, remarked, “Meeting strangers helps us all to learn more about ourselves.” Chantrea, a Cambodian scholar shared another perspective, saying, “Before I came to UWCSEA I wasn’t even sure how to help myself, but after two years here, I know that I have the power to help others around the world.”

The scholars’ ideas and feelings uplifted and connected the audience, drawing rounds of spontaneous applause and laughter. Everyone had a chance to chat with scholars who were seated among the tables. Younger students asked questions such as “What’s your favourite subject?” and “Do you get to keep your phone at night?” and parents wanted to know more about the scholars’ hopes and dreams and if they could provide any additional support that might be needed. The evening was a feast for both the body and soul and closed in true UWC spirit, as each guest stood up and wished everyone “good evening” in their home language. A very special thank you to the Foundation Parent Ambassadors for bringing the community together for this remarkable evening.