Faces of UWC

"The most memorable experience at UWC was trying to get as many people as possible to read 'The 57 Bus,' and giving everyone a shared experience. We have so many students from different backgrounds, and everyone reading that one story goes to show how every person walks away with a different perspective of themselves. Being able to instigate that in the community has been a really valuable experience."

Kurt Wittig is Dover's Teacher Librarian and a proponent of the new UWC Great Reads program

"Stress, anxiety, and depression can be destabilizing and affect our daily functions. Being a service leader for IMH (Institute of Mental Health) has been a real eye-opener as I got to see the consequences of not taking care of your mental health. The awful part is that if knowledge and access to treatment were available in the early stages, many of the patients would have already been in recovery. There is also the stigma involved and discriminatory attitudes against sufferers of mental illnesses that can result in a reluctance to seek treatment. Advocating for mental well-being will help educate and ensure that people and services are in place for everyone."

Sandra Binny is the leader of a service that takes Grade 11s to visit the Institute of Mental Health's elderly women's ward. The oldest patient in the ward has been there for 21 years.

"I try to link some of the lessons that I do with international causes such as Women’s Day or Day Against Homophobia. My lessons also specifically try to diversify families – I’ve tried to include ideas such as 'mums' and 'dads,' single parents, and adoptive parents. It’s important to me because now we see more and more people who are standing up to talk about their identities and their sexual orientation. I think it’s necessary that we embrace the movement that shows more visibility for everyone. Having positive role models in terms of LGBTQ+ representation is really important for children, for teenagers, and also for adults. When I was growing up, I had no LGBTQ+ role models – I didn’t see any until I was an adult. If we can provide those figures to students, then I think we’ve made a positive impact."

"My name is Annie - I’m the Grade 11 secretary. I think that the most rewarding experience at UWC is being able to follow your grade and watch them grow up. You get to see them at orientation, and you see them finish school at graduation. When they come back as young adults, they recognize you, they remember you, and want to say hi to you. It makes a huge difference. I think that’s the most amazing part of it all."

"At 16, after a conversation with my mum, I realized that not everyone has the same privileges and opportunities. This prompted me to reach out and listen to the stories of over 20 women that are passionate and living their dream despite various obstacles in their paths. UWC has taught me that the ones who are crazy enough to change the world are the ones who do, which is why I decided to compile these stories and make it into a book."

"One of the most crucial aspects of climbing is the mentality it requires - it’s easy to fall, but it takes a lot of mental strength to get back up again. It’s not a sport where you can just climb - no, it’s not as easy as that. It takes a lot of ambition to get further."

Juliana Wallner, a tenth grader, is fresh off the back from FOBISIA after securing the overall female combined spot in the whole competition for Rock Climbing in Kuala Lumpur.

“In a community like UWC, where so many people have so many different interests, something like TEDx is so unique and important because deep inside, we all have an idea that is worth spreading. As a community, it is important that we practice what we preach, and support those who do open up about their ideas. That’s why TEDx is so special - it’s not just about the ideas being spread, but also about accepting these ideas within our community.”

The 2019 edition of TEDxUWCDover attracted speakers discussing topics including quantum physics, gender norms, and women empowerment. The Executive Producer of this event, Sonya Chong, hopes that the talks will leave a lasting impact on the entire UWC community.

“When I was around four, I wished for the whole world to transform into one made entirely of cartoons so that I could live in some fantasy made of of bright colours and cool shapes. But five minutes later, I un-wished that wish because I was scared of all of the unknowns living in that world. Now, as I make ‘art’, I realise that I'm kind of un-wishing my un-wishing by making these colourful abstractions my reality again.”

The work of Lamees Rahman, a Grade 12 student, is exhibited at the recent ‘Creative Adventures’ exhibition. The displays showcase the diverse skills and creative concepts of many high school Art students.

Today marks the most iconic day of the year on campus, dedicated to celebrating the diversity, vibrance and uniqueness of UWCSEA - UN Night 2018!

“Amaya is an alum, she is one of us, she is a part of the family, she is a part of the UWC Community. This year’s UWC day theme was about Inspiring Change, and that’s what Amaya did. It would be a bit hypercritical to hold these values, but when something like this happens, not do anything about it - I just thought we have to stand up as she is one of us. She is inspiring change.”

To celebrate UWC Day this year, Hasan Jashari began an initiative to write letters to the Nicaraguan government which urged them to free Amaya Coppens, a Belgian/Nicaraguan who graduated from UWC Li Po Chun in Hong Kong. She was arrested last week by the Nicaraguan police forces for protesting against the government.

Follow the Hasan's lead and sign the petition below:
https://www.change.org/p/for-the-release-of-amaya-and-other-activists-against-the-ortega-government-in-nicaragua

"I started dancing when I was very young. When I first came to UWC, I wasn’t very good at English, and was trying to figure my way around the new environment. Then, I had the opportunity to join UN Night and the Dance Show. Through those experiences, dancing allowed me to make lots of new friends, and gave me the opportunity to meet people from other grades.

Dancing is a big part of my identity, and I’m proud of that."

Mizuki Matsuda recently placed first place at the Jazz section of a dance competition held in Singapore, winning her the trophy displayed.

“I created a platform where people can submit pieces - whether it’d be written pieces, videos, articles or poetry - which will then be shared with the school community.

I really hope there will be a big variety of opinions on there. I hope it will be a page everyone has in their bookmarks. And if they feel the urge to learn more about the world or they feel the urge to speak out about something - that’s the place they go to.”

Hila Davies, a G11 Student Council Representative, just launched the site www.DontBeAfraidUWC.org. The first submissions are already online, so check it out!