1971 Society Graduating Scholar Report 2022/2023

UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Graduating Scholars 2022/2023

Meet some of our scholars

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 supporting the UWCSEA Scholarship Programme. Your generosity has impacted the lives of talented students from around the world who have grown immensely during their time at the College. They have developed deep friendships, and have openly contributed to and learned from each other’s life experiences and diverse perspectives. We can’t wait to see what’s next as these spirited changemakers go out into the wider world!

The Class of 2023 joined us as a sense of normalcy was returning post-pandemic, and have enjoyed iconic UWC experiences like UN Night and Project Week which we hope they will remember for many years to come. As always, this year’s graduating scholars have demonstrated resilience and determination, many leaving their home countries for the first time, adjusting to life and learning at a new pace and, in some cases, taking their classes in a new language.

I hope you will enjoy reading the stories of the five scholars featured in this report, a representative snapshot of the 46 graduating scholars who are proudly part of the Class of 2023. These bright young leaders have demonstrated the promise and potential to live the UWC mission in action, and to create a better world at a time when our individual and collective commitment to peace and a sustainable future has never been needed more.

Thank you once again for your generous support, and for joining me in wishing all of our graduates well as they set out to make their unique marks on the world.

Sinéad Collins Director of Engagement and External Relations

Boris Delgadillo Romero ‘23

Sofija Gribovski ‘23

Yanisa (Opor) Promkaewtor ‘23

Patricia Segeja ‘23

Matagari Ouattara ‘23

Basketball Star to Biomedical Engineer

Matagari Ouattara ‘23

Scholar from Burkina Faso

UWCSEA allowed me to discover my full potential, as a student, a young African woman, and as a potential world changer. As a student, UWCSEA has challenged me with its rigorous IB curriculum, and given me the opportunity to pursue my ambition of becoming a biomedical engineer with confidence and perseverance. As a young African woman, UWCSEA’s diverse community has proven to me the necessity to value my BLACKNESS, and inspired me by connecting me with other talented young women also finding their way. As a potential life changer, the UWC movement has made me realise how powerful I am, and how my actions make a difference. I know now how any thoughtful action no matter how little, can truly make the world a better place.

I have made a difference by being an ambassador for my country. I have broadened my peers and members of UWCSEA community’s perspectives on matters like terrorism, political conflicts, financial hardship, and cultural dilution. I have also influenced my peers to act with determination to succeed, by demonstrating my own perseverance. For example, while I wasn’t fluent in English at the start, my determination helped me excel. I also applied this to basketball. I competed for the school on the Varsity A Team, and was proud to receive the Most Valuable Player Award this year. Playing basketball also allowed me to have something in common with an extended group of students outside the boarding house, which I am happy for.

UWCSEA has armed me with the intellectual and societal experiences to tackle whatever is awaiting me. Next year, I will major in Biomedical Engineering and pre-med. My future goal is to become a Burkina Faso expert in this field, and bring my knowledge and experiences back home. I hope to revolutionise the weak and outdated medical system in Burkina Faso, and help provide relief to the communities.

There are no words that could translate my gratitude for the opportunity to come to UWCSEA. The scholarship has opened doors to a brighter future for me. My family, community, and I are touched by your generosity. Infinitely times, Anitchié!

The diverse communities, cultures, and economic backgrounds I’ve lived with for the past two years have prepared me well for the new chapter of my life.”

Explorer, Advocate and Global Thinker Yanisa (Opor) Promkaewtor ’23

Scholar from Thailand

An explorer, advocate, and global thinker describes me well over the last two years. At UWCSEA I had new opportunities where I developed passions I did not know I had. I took IB film for the first time and also had the opportunity to play tennis, where I became the co-captain of the U19 B team in Grade 12. I am grateful for the chance to train, play matches against other schools, and make new friends from other grades. It was an opportunity that I would never have imagined I would enjoy!

In IB film, I realised my passion for reflecting social issues through film. My short film was selected into the Across Asia Youth Film Festival and won the audience award. It was a big step for me as a film enthusiast! This made me realise I want to pursue film studies because of the beauty films have to impact audiences. I hope to one day contribute my film studies to give back to Thai society by becoming a filmmaker or a film professor in a Thai university.

I also had the opportunity to advocate for local organisations in Singapore. I volunteered in a clothing swap program to support sustainable fashion started by an UWCSEA alumni, and also a plastic recycling organisation. I got to share these experiences with new boarding house students this past year which was really great, and also created opportunities to take them into local communities too.

My UWCSEA education has taught me to be ready to take every opportunity and challenge that comes into my life. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I am very excited and ready to continue this journey, and do my best to chase my goals. I would never have had this experience if it was not for the support of a full scholarship. Education is the greatest gift that any youth can have, and I hope that other kids who have big dreams will have an opportunity to pursue their dreams like me.

- Thank you!

My UWCSEA education has taught me to be ready to take every opportunity and challenge that comes into my life.”

Inspiring Learner with a Mission to Mentor Boris Delgadillo Romero ’23

Scholar from Bolivia

My UWCSEA experience has been an emotional and academic rollercoaster that has left an indelible mark on me. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier when I first arrived. It was very difficult for me to understand what others were saying, and I often couldn’t express myself in English. I decided to keep going, and my friends, peers, mentors, and teachers all supported me. It was a beautiful moment when I realised that I could finally listen in English and understand what was being said to me. I cried tears of joy!

One of my favourite classes was IB English as the class helped me overcome my language challenges in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. I was also grateful to participate in activities that reconnected me with my passion for art and creativity like animation, digital art, and film clubs. My community service at the SGM Murni Child Care Center was also a rewarding and memorable experience. It taught me the value of giving my time and effort to help others, and seeing the children’s smiles made my day many times.

One of the best feelings I have had is being able to offer help to those who have gone through the same situation as me. I have worked hard to help create an environment where everyone feels safe and appreciated. I also made a sincere friendship with another student from India. He was a key player in helping me learn English, and despite language and cultural differences, we found a way to understand each other and built a strong friendship. It has shown me that nationality, race, or ethnicity do not matter when there is a real connection between people.

My two years at UWCSEA have been invaluable, and I am eager to share all that I have learned when I return to my country. I want to help many other young people to be part of this movement and unite the world in ways that transcend cultural barriers. Next year I head to the United States for university where I will study computing and film. I also plan to develop mentoring and support groups for young people, which I hope to expand throughout my home country. Thank you for investing in my education and my future. I will be eternally grateful and will always remember this generosity.

Muchas Gracias!

My two years at UWCSEA have been invaluable, and I am eager to share all that I have learned when I return to my country.”

Growing Leader, Future Changemaker

Patricia Segeja ’23

Scholar from Tanzania

UWCSEA has helped shape my character and broadened my worldview. I have made long-lasting friendships with students from all over the world, and these friendships have opened my eyes to different cultures and ways of life. UWCSEA’s rigorous academic curriculum also challenged me to think critically and approach problems from different angles, making me a more analytical and creative thinker. The focus on service and leadership taught me the importance of giving back to the community and taking on responsibility.

One of the most meaningful experiences was my involvement in planning the 2022 TEDX event as the Chair of the Speakers Committee. This role taught me valuable skills in event planning, public speaking, and leadership. Volunteering and participating in Culturama as a dance leader and plaza show coordinator also allowed me to learn more about other cultures in-depth. As an East African student, I have also tried to promote awareness and appreciation for the culture and traditions of my home country, especially through my friendships. My friendships have taught me the importance of building relationships with people from different backgrounds, and how it enriches one’s life and perspectives.

I believe that the UWCSEA experience has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to make a difference in my home country. I dream of becoming a successful leader with the means, influence, and power to bring about meaningful change in Tanzania. Through my experiences at UWCSEA, I have learned the value of teamwork, communication, and critical thinking - skills that will undoubtedly help me achieve my goals.

I cannot express enough my gratitude towards those who supported my scholarship. In my own language, I would like to say “Asante sana”, which means thank you very much. This experience has had a profound impact on me. Thank you again for believing in me and for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams.

I believe that the UWCSEA experience has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to make a difference in my home country.”

Resilient Peacemaker, UWC Mission Champion

Sofija Gribovski ’23

Scholar from Macedonia

UWCSEA became my second home, my second UWC. Due to COVID regulations, I was unable to stay for a full two years at UWC Changshu China. When I finally learned I could transfer to UWCSEA, I was truly grateful.

My initial difficulties at UWCSEA are perhaps obvious: catching up with course content, meeting teachers, and making brand new friends while juggling university applications. My motivation and gratitude for a second chance at UWC pushed me to establish myself as a worthy member of the community. I was able to make friends with fellow scholars as well as day students, and provide new perspectives in many classes. For example, my exposure to Eastern/Chinese philosophy at UWC Changshu helped me share my own experiences from China. I was also a philosophy tutor for my boarding house peers, and participated in the ‘Write for Rights’ campaign where I fought some major injustices in the world today. This summer I will go back to Macedonia and volunteer with my UWC National Committee. The UWC system, national committee and connections I have made are irreplaceable, and I would love to provide these opportunities for others in my home country. Macedonia is a country with a troubled past, and the Balkan region is one of high tension, but at UWCSEA I was able to meet my Balkan neighbours and love them as a family. I hope in some way to push that family feeling onto a larger scale. Next year, I head to the USA on a Davis Scholarship where I will study international politics, linguistics, and education. My dream is to work in translation or diplomacy for an international organisation like the United Nations. Thank you for supporting me and giving this stranded student a second chance at UWC, and a chance of witnessing the beauty of Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m immensely grateful for the support I received both from UWCSEA and UWC Changshu and I will always remain grateful.

I truly believe that our diverse backgrounds and interests means we are more than just ‘scholars’ at UWCSEA, we are part of the UWC mission.”

UWCSEA Scholarship Programme

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

100 scholars at

9 scholars at other UWC’s

Current enrolment

1 UWC Thailand (Grade 11)

46 Scholars graduating in 2023 from UWCSEA

3

1

1

UWC Adriatic: UWCSEA Refugee Scholarship Initiative (Grade 12)

UWC Maastricht (Grade 12)

2 UWC Dilijan (Grade 12)

57 Dover

43 East

53 continuing scholars

61 countries across the world are represented by UWCSEA scholars

2

UWC Mahindra: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)

2 Waterford Kamhlaba UWC: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)

47 new scholars

Through the power of community giving, UWCSEA’s Scholarship Programme equips young people from different nations and cultures with the skills, experiences, and education to help shape a more peaceful and sustainable world.