Queeny van der Spek - Li Po Chun UWC

How did you find out about UWC and why did you  apply?

My mom heard about Atlantic College through a colleague whose brother’s son had studied there. It was quite a coincidence that I decided to Google it and found out about UWC. I saw the Harry Potter-like castle and I thought, ‘This is where I want to go!’ I never expected that I would end up in Hong Kong!

What are you first impressions of UWC?

The first moment UWC became more than a website was during the open-day. I was impressed by all the enthusiastic alumni and their impressive stories. Everyone behaved like a family. And that is what I feel now as well, although I have never seen somebody before; having been to a UWC gives you so many things in common and so many things to talk about, regardless of geographical boundaries. And my first impression of Hong Kong? The airport does smell like noodles.

What do you enjoy most about life at UWC?

To always have amazing people around me. To talk, to laugh, to cry, to discuss, to go to the gym, to braid my hair, to sing in the shower; they’re always there.

What has been the most challenging aspect?

I’m always scared to miss out on something. And if I miss out on something, I miss out on sleep, and then I’m too tired to enjoy.

What subjects are you taking?

Dutch self-taught (a lot of fun!), English A2, Econ, Math SL, Chem, Physics. I do regret some a little. I just took what I used to take in the Netherlands, don’t do that! Think about your subjects and take a challenge!

What CAS activities are you involved in?

Café; organising music evenings and sell baked goods for charity

Latin American Dance

Tennis

Field-hockey

Initiative for Peace: organiz

TeenAIDerS: giving sex education in local schools

First Aid

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying?

Well, you have nothing to lose, just two amazing years and a new family of friends to gain!

What are your ambitions after you leave UWC?

After UWC I want to go back to The Netherlands. I would like to bring something back to my own country and I don’t want to lose the connection with home. Here at LPC I hear so many stories, get to know about so many possible paths to follow and so many important issues to get involved in. I hope that after this rollercoaster ride I can decide what I really want to do.