Jonathan van Arneman - Pearson College UWC

“I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of performing on stage”

Diversity, culture, originality, talent, courage, energy: “One World”.

 One world is a major production of international music, stories and dance, unique to Pearson College, put on by the students every year. I had the privilege of partaking in the show this year and I can honestly say it was a life changing event. When else in your lifetime can you perform in front of hundreds in a choir of almost 100 represented countries where you each blend in harmonic melody to the tune of an African celebratory hymn of “Siyahamba Ekukhanyeni Kwenkosi”? Indeed we did “walk in the light of God” both on stage and in preparing for the event. Hours and hours of practice and dedication is what it took to pull it off but in the end it was definitely worth it. Pearson gave me the push that I needed to realize my potential as a dancer and I was able to perform in 6 different choreographies including one of my own. Adrenaline rushes, curtains raise, the crowd stares, the music starts and the rest is history. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of performing on stage when you know that eyes are riding on your every move by persons who only know you for what you present yourself as; or the way a complete stranger can make you feel with a compliment like “you’re an amazing dancer” or “I never took my eyes off of you”. I entered the One World process as an unknowing, unimpressionable first year and I emerged enlightened. This is what United World Colleges has done for me; provided me with opportunities and experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life and I hope to bring to life these feelings in others as I continue on my UWC journey. My endless gratitude is extended towards you for without you none of this would have been possible. For the invaluable people I’ve met and for the things that cannot be described in words,

I thank you.