UWCSEA Scholarship Programme Graduating Scholars 2021/2022 by uwcsea

UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME Graduating Scholars 2021/2022

Meet some of our scholars

Alex Goiris ’22

Zebo Furqatzoda ’22

Wee-Ern Lau ’22

Krystelle Pua ’22

Juan Bonillo Ruiz ’22

Tshepo Molotja ’22

In this world there are three types of people; people that make things happen, people that watch what happens and people who wonder what happened ... I expect UWC scholars to be those people that make things happen.” – Shelby Davis, Philanthropist

Thank you for your support of the UWCSEA Scholarship Programme. Your generosity has changed the lives of many incredibly talented and driven young people who are poised to make a positive impact in the world, each in their own way. I hope you enjoy the stories of the six scholars included in this report. They are our future leaders and have tremendous passion and determination; your investment in their education has been transformational. The Class of 2022 is unique as they started their IB Diploma just before the global pandemic. They have been remarkably resilient throughout the challenges of the last two years, and have found great strength in each other, giving support and encouragement and uniting as a community. It has been humbling to watch them make the most of their

opportunity in the face of a long separation from home. Their determination, resourcefulness and above all care for others in their community will stand them in good stead for life at university and beyond. In our 50th anniversary year, we reflect on the success of the last 50 years and look to the future, with hope. Our students represent the best of us. Whether they are with us for two, or 14 years, they develop the sense of service to others that is at the core of the UWC mission. Thank you for your support of this next generation, which the world has never needed more. As they set off beyond the College, I wish them well. Sinéad Collins Director of Engagement and External Relations

Dramatic Artist

Alex Goiris ‘22 Scholar from Paraguay “One of the things I’ve done well at UWCSEA is to have been a good ‘delegate’ for my country, Paraguay. I am the first Paraguayan scholar at East Campus, and I’ve shared my culture, personality and friendship with the community. I have also tried to give back to the Paraguayan National Committee and encourage more young Paraguayans to learn about the UWC movement and apply for a scholarship. The academics at UWCSEA were challenging and different from my previous school system. But at UWCSEA, I had the opportunity to study Drama for the first time, and I liked it; I even won the lead role in a production. It felt terrific to challenge myself and memorise a whole play. I also really enjoyed my Spanish class. Although Spanish literature is complex, this was one of my favourite Spanish classes that I’ve ever taken, as the lessons were interactive and my classmates were incredibly supportive. In the beginning, I found the interaction between scholars and non-scholars challenging because we come from such different backgrounds. But the boarding house community helped to support me as I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things. One of the most meaningful experiences I had was leading a performance in the Dance Showcase with a friend; it was incredible to learn how to use dance and professional production techniques combined with culture and history. I was just accepted at Trinity College (United States). Although my major is still open, I will be taking as many creative classes as possible; I am so inspired by the last two years here! My UWCSEA education has changed me: now, I have different perspectives about the world, and I know that I can achieve my dreams and go to university. I am so grateful for this scholarship that has changed my life.” Gracias!

I am so grateful for this scholarship that has changed my life.”

Graduating Scholars 2021/2022 | 2

Compassionate Leader

Zebo Furqatzoda ’22 Scholar from Tajikistan My UWCSEA experience has made me a better leader. When I first joined the College in Grade 11, it was often hard to accept that I wasn’t the only leader in a group and it wasn’t easy to collaborate. But by being vulnerable and accepting that I don’t know everything, I’ve learned so much about myself and authentic leadership. One of my most meaningful learning experiences at UWCSEA was the TEDx conference. A friend and I organised it from scratch, and it was a very detailed project, including applying for an event license and selecting 30 committee members to help us. But I learned so much. For a start, the importance of human connection and inspiration. If people are inspired to do something, they would genuinely go above and beyond. I also learned that a leader has to trust. Once people are inspired to do their tasks, a leader should trust them that they will do their job correctly. And finally, I learned not only to lead but also to create other leaders and give them opportunities to shine. I turned away from always taking leadership roles to looking for opportunities to support others.

UWCSEA also completely changed the way I understand education. In Tajik schools, we are taught how to memorise textbooks; however, within the first two weeks at UWCSEA, I realised that wouldn’t work; I had to understand concepts, not learn facts. UWCSEA showed me that I could make an impact, and in the future, I want to help people do amazing things with their lives. I am happy to share that I will attend New York University (Abu Dhabi) in August. My major is undecided, but I’m interested in many of the subjects in the Liberal Arts. I’ve met such wonderful people at UWCSEA–my friends, houseparents, classmates, teachers, families and alumni and I’ve learned something new from everyone. I am so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had. Thank you so much for turning my dreams into my reality.” Rahmati kalon!

UWCSEA showed me that I can make an impact, and in the future, I want to help people do amazing things with their lives.” 3 | Graduating Scholars 2021/2022

Tennis-playing Debater

Wee-Ern Lau ’22 Scholar from Malaysia “When I first stepped foot on Dover Campus, I was intimidated by the vast campus, the challenging curriculum, and the new community. However, as I near the end of High School, I now find myself frequenting the tennis courts with friends, solving difficult problems with classmates and cherishing all the diversity that the community offers. Some of the most stimulating experiences at UWCSEA were the charged but insightful conversations with friends from diverse backgrounds. I recall a heated debate with friends from India about the political and social impacts of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Although we disagreed on many fronts, we left the conversation with a more nuanced understanding of the issue. As a keen debater, I’m very interested in global politics and talks like that stimulate my thirst for knowledge across various topics. Math was always a complex subject for me, difficult to grasp and challenging to enjoy. Math with my teacher Ms Chaboyer at UWCSEA, however, was a transformative experience.

Formulas that used to be templates with interchangeable numbers became riddles that I sought to derive. Ms Sophie Morley, my houseparent, has been a source of inspiration ever since my first day in the boarding house. She has pushed me to pursue new and beneficial changes that I never thought I would like before arriving at UWCSEA. From learning new sports to being more open and seeking help when I needed it, I wouldn’t have navigated life at UWCSEA without her. I will attend Princeton University (United States) in August and study Public Policy. My interest in politics stems from family conversations at the dinner table, an interest in keeping up to date with the news and being actively involved in debate. I am grateful for and will always carry the values embedded deep within my UWCSEA education to university and my country. Life at UWCSEA is challenging and rewarding every step of the way.” Terima Kasih!

Life at UWCSEA is challenging and rewarding every step of the way.”

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Caring Scientist

Krystelle Pua ’22 Scholar from Hong Kong “Joining the IB Diploma programme was hard. I had to adjust to the fast-paced environment and all the new subjects I had never studied before, and it was difficult to articulate my thoughts and express ideas in class discussions. But through the variety of opportunities at UWCSEA, I have grown and matured as a student and an individual. Participating in sports encouraged me to move and be active, even when it was hard. Volunteering with Service and Global Concerns taught me responsibility and empathy, advocating for the underprivileged and speaking up for their voices. Taking part in the Initiative for Peace broadened my horizons and opened my mind to multiple perspectives and events. At UWCSEA, I learned to treasure every moment and person, to value meeting new people and learn about their culture, ideas and thoughts. And I am now part of something bigger—a community, a family. My favourite subject is Biology, as the IB curriculum explores the depths of the foundation of numerous biological processes, which caught my interest and pushed me to study further. I also enjoy Chemistry, with its complex yet beautiful processes and mechanisms. My teachers were so supportive and made

the lessons engaging, and always took the time to speak to each student individually and share their passion for the subject. Next year, I will study Veterinary Medicine at Davidson College (United States). I believe the UWC mission, with its focus on peace and sustainability, will help me pursue my career. A special memory that I hold dear to my heart is my first live UN Night performance in 2021. I am a shy, reserved individual, so stepping outside my comfort zone to perform in front of dozens of people seemed impossible. But stepping on stage for the first time felt magical– almost surreal. I was able to show my joy and love for dancing while also trying an experience I never thought would be possible for me. I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement from the UWCSEA community. My life has changed drastically, and I would have never pictured myself in this position if it weren’t for their help. For that, I would like to express my sincerest and deepest gratitude.” Salamat po! 多谢!

At UWCSEA, I learned to treasure every moment and person, to value meeting new people and learn about their culture, ideas and thoughts.”

5 | Graduating Scholars 2021/2022

Confident Designer

Juan Bonillo Ruiz ’22 Scholar from Spain “Being a scholar has shaped me in so many ways, but the most fundamental is the confidence that I’ve gained. Before UWCSEA, I was hesitant about my potential. But UWCSEA provided me with many opportunities where I was expected to take action or be the leader. No matter how scary it looked, I overcame this lack of confidence and enjoyed every initiative. This newfound confidence is now the driving force in my life. During my two years here, I was thrilled to take Design and Technology for the first time. Since Grade 11, my designs have evolved and I’m looking forward to exploring a career in this area. I have also enjoyed helping with the Food Bank group, Initiative for Peace and Campus Gardening. Working with my UWCSEA university advisor over the last two years has helped me tremendously. The university application process looked very confusing and scary at first, but she transformed it into a calm journey of getting to know me and my possibilities. She helped me to get to know myself better, and her approach to university advising was about my life project–my ambitions and dreams.

UWCSEA allowed me to see opportunities in our global world, find solutions to problems, and how to make our communities more inclusive and sustainable. I will study Industrial Design at the Ringling College of Art and Design (United States) and hope to create products which generate value and offer competitive solutions to users locally and globally. My UWCSEA scholarship helped launch my future career by providing me with the best education and has also taught me the importance of making a positive impact on my community and environment. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at UWCSEA. I have grown as a person; I am now more ambitious and more aware of my impact. UWCSEA has shaped who I will be and the values that define me.” ¡Muchísimas gracias!

UWCSEA has shaped who I will be and the values that define me.” Graduating Scholars 2021/2022 | 6

Mission-driven Architect

Tshepo Molotja ’22 Scholar from South Africa “I feel so blessed to have been awarded a UWC scholarship; the last two years have helped me grow and develop tremendously. The only schools I knew before were in my home town, Polokwane, where a ‘good’ student is quiet and obedient. At UWCSEA, I was challenged to find my voice, ask questions and take responsibility for my education. It was a bit of a shock at first, but my confidence and voice have grown so much, and I am determined to keep using them, as hard as it can sometimes be. I was an avid track and field athlete back home, so it was a natural fit for me to volunteer with the service Fitness with Runninghour in Grade 11. Runninghour is a local Singapore organisation that is creating a more inclusive society by offering free fitness and running sessions for people with disabilities. It’s often really hard for people with disabilities to access fitness and running, so once a week on Thursday evenings, I head to the local stadium, where we meet our buddies, rain or shine. During the term breaks, I’ve been fortunate to stay with host families. Architecture and urban design are my greatest passion and I have really enjoyed exploring Singapore and taking photos of the beautiful architecture. One of my teachers lent me a camera and I’m developing a portfolio of urban photography and architecture. After I graduate, I hope to go home for the summer and launch my school uniform community project. I’ve applied for a UWC Go Make a Difference Project grant, to provide school uniforms for primary school kids who live in orphanages and can’t afford them. In South Africa, it’s mandatory to wear a uniform, and if kids can’t afford a uniform, they can’t go to school. It’s a vicious cycle. I’ll use the grant money to work with suppliers to offset the cost of uniforms and set up a uniform recycling and re-use system. I was accepted to three university degree programmes for August to study Architecture and Urban Design, and have just accepted an offer to Trinity College (United States). I will continue to live the UWC mission by integrating sustainability and housing for all into my designs. I’m passionate about creating beautiful spaces that honour people’s history and the natural environment.” Kea leboga!

At UWCSEA, I was challenged to find my voice, ask questions and take responsibility for my education.”

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UWCSEA Scholarship Programme 2021/2022 at a glance

109

scholars receiving a UWC education thanks to support from the UWCSEA community

scholars at UWCSEA

Grade breakdown

2 2 3 47 45

Scholars graduating in 2022 from UWCSEA

Dover

Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

UWC Adriatic: UWCSEA Refugee Scholarship Initiative (Grade 11) UWC Maastricht (Grade 11) UWC Dilijan (Grade 11) UWC East Africa (Grade 12) Waterford Kamhlaba UWC: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and Grade 12) UWC Mahindra: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 12)

continuing scholars

East

Grade 9

scholars at other UWCs

Current enrolment

1 1 2 3 2 1

Grade 8

new scholars

females

males

countries across the world are represented by UWCSEA scholars

• Argentina • Austria • Belarus • Belgium • Bolivia • Botswana • Brazil • Burkina Faso • Cambodia • Chile • China • Colombia • Costa Rica • Denmark • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • El Salvador • Estonia • Eswatini • Ethiopia • Germany • Ghana • Greece • Guatemala • Haiti • Honduras • Indonesia • Ireland • Italy • Jamaica • Kenya • Latvia • Lithuania • Macedonia • Madagascar • Malawi • Malaysia • Mexico • Moldova • Montenegro • Myanmar • Namibia • Netherlands • Panama • Paraguay • Philippines • Poland • Portugal • Senegal • Serbia • Sierra Leone • Slovenia • South Africa • Spain • Sri Lanka • Tajikistan • Tanzania • Thailand • Togo • Uganda • Ukraine • Uruguay • Venezuela • Vietnam • Zambia

Europe

North and Central America

Asia

22 Africa

South America

Countries per region

Europe

Africa

Asia

South America

North and Central America

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UWCSEA’s Scholarship Programme, and the young people who benefit from it, represent an extraordinary expression of the UWC Mission.

FUND-2122

For more information, please contact: UWCSEA Foundation | +65 6419 9353 | foundation@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcsea.edu.sg/support-us FUND-2122