Daniëlle de Jonge – Pearson College UWC
How did you find out about UWC and why did you apply?
I was looking for some challenge in my life. Seeing a little more of the world, and meeting people with interests and motivation like me. A teacher at my school recommended I'd apply for UWC because he thought it soothed me well and really liked the organization. I felt appealed by the description of UWC the first time I visited their website, and never let the idea go.
What are you first impressions of UWC?
It's very welcoming organization in which you can be yourself. They recognize you are unique and welcome you use this features in a fruitful way. They create critical thinkers, who approach problems from a creative perspective, and are committed and motivated to just go for it!
What do you enjoy most about life at UWC?
The informal and relaxed way all students and teachers communicate with each other, about casual issues but also about intense ethical issues. There are so many opportunities to just organize whatever you think is important to strengthen your bond with the other students and address issues. Ideas are shared all day long, and you learn to respect and even understand others perspectives on issues. The world comes a lot closer, you are more engaged, because you're exposed to so many different cultures 24/7.
What has been the most challenging aspect?
In the beginning there was a language barrier (in terms of understanding the fast speaking A1 speakers, and your homework takes a little bit more time) but you get over that fairly quick. The most challenging aspect is taking care of yourself. There is so much to do, all day (and night) long, which makes it hard to balance your life over the 3 Ss. Study, Socialize, Sleep.
What subjects are you taking?
Chemistry HL
Marine Science SL
Mathematics SL
English A1 HL
Spanish Ab initio
Philosophy HL
- What CAS activities are you involved in?
Scuba Diving
Acapella Choir
Amnesty International group (which I started this year).
What advice would you give to students thinking about applying?
Just do it! Just the whole application progress teaches you so much about yourself. If you're considering applying, you're probably already went over this, but just make sure you are 'solid' enough to leave your family and live somewhere you have to take care of yourself. There is a lot of support from other students and faculty, but you need to have some type of self discipline. I've heard many people say: “I'm not your mom!” And that's true, and she will not be around for 2 years.
What are your ambitions after you leave UWC?
Since Pearson is a very waterfront orientated college, I developed a huge passion for marine science. There is basically nothing else I could see myself doing in the future than being a marine biologist. There is so much to explore in this barely understood world, and I'd love to be a part of this process. I enrolled in many activities related to the oceans (the best being scuba diving :D) and did my Extended Essay on sea stars. Thereby I hope to continue contributing to human rights issues and keep singing!
