Scholars in focus

UWCSEA STORIES

Maria Clarah ‘23

Scholar from Haiti

“Helping others is something I have to do. If I can wake up every day and smile, it is because other people have helped me, and I want to pay that back.”

Growing up in Pétion-Ville, Maria Clarah witnessed the devastating effects of political instability. Now in Grade 11 at UWCSEA, Maria Clarah was overjoyed when she was awarded a scholarship and is determined to make the most of her time at the College. She enjoys all her academic classes, particularly Economics and History. But the highlights of her week are the time she spends volunteering with a local food bank and with the peer-to-peer listening initiative in the Boarding House, as she feels strongly about spending time supporting those in need. Since she was young, she has written poems and articles to express herself and she has always enjoyed listening to classical music. She decided to take up the violin while at UWCSEA, despite never having played a classical instrument. She has found great solace in the violin and just before Christmas, she surprised her mother by playing Jingle Bells over FaceTime. Her true passion is helping others to find their voice, especially women. Growing up, she saw many women staying silent for fear of violence. She says, “Everyone has something to share, and you shouldn’t be afraid of what others think.” She believes in the power of speaking the truth to create a shared understanding and greater peace in the world. “When I share my story, it creates understanding. It’s a small thing, but when everyone does it, it breaks down traditional mindsets and creates opportunities for peace. Every voice matters.” After UWCSEA, she hopes to attend university and continue helping young people build their confidence and skills, as UWCSEA has done for her.

Maria Clarah is deeply grateful to UWCSEA for her scholarship and wishes more young people could benefit from this transformative education. She says, “Before I came here, I never could have imagined sharing a bedroom with someone from a different culture, and just the simple act of living day to day with a young person from another culture has expanded my mindset. At UWCSEA, we learn to embrace different cultures, creating connections and a more harmonious future for everyone.”

UWCSEA STORIES

Anyi ‘23

Scholar from Colombia

“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to study at UWCSEA. I only wish more kids could have a UWC education; it would make the world a more peaceful place for everyone.”

Anyi grew up in a rural village in Colombia. During the country’s civil war, her family fled their village and relocated, making it difficult to find employment, education and housing. Despite these challenges, Anyi excelled at school and was a passionate advocate for equality and justice. When her High School principal told her about UWC, it was a natural fit with her interests, and she went through a long selection process over several months to obtain a scholarship. When she received the news that her application was successful, she was thrilled and couldn’t wait to share the good news with her family. In Grade 11, Anyi’s favourite subjects are Dance, Global Perspectives and Spanish. Over the last year, her English has improved tremendously, and she relishes classroom discussions about human rights and democracy and sharing personal experiences with classmates. In her Business class, she had the opportunity to invent a commercial product, and in Geography, she enjoys learning about the sustainable development of resources and cities.

While at UWCSEA, Anyi has been a committed member of A Key for Guatemala, a Global Concern (GC). This GC captured her interest, as she could identify with the plight of the Guatemalans. Although COVID restrictions made it challenging for the group to fundraise, Anyi helped to rally their enthusiasm. By selling products, including bracelets and cards, they continued to provide vital funds to the GC. Anyi is beginning to dream about life beyond UWCSEA and what it might hold. She hopes to attend university in Canada to continue to learn more about different cultures and political systems. Anyi says, “Thank you for supporting my scholarship and believing in me to create positive change in this world. Studying at UWCSEA is a life-changing opportunity, and in supporting me, you have created a ripple effect that will impact the lives of many.”