Job van der Poel – UWC Adriatic
How did you find out about UWC and why did you apply?
One of my cousins had a presentation at her school and got really excited about UWC. She then asked me if I would be interested. I looked up the website and talked about it with my parents. I applied because of several reasons. The first was to challenge myself, the second to want to get to know different cultures and opinions and lastly to become part of a community which strives to really make a change.
What are you first impressions of UWC?
A beautiful place, where everyone is every ones friend. It is not always paradise, but no place on earth is perfect. All I can say is that I love this place, and would never want to leave it again.
What do you enjoy most about life at UWC?
The interesting people and cultures you get to interact with and the lively atmosphere, the energy which people emit. The fact that you live as a student, on your own, and you get to decide your own life while working and living together with people coming from all over the world
What has been the most challenging aspect?
Your school, especially if it is a campus school becomes a bubble. You need to live together and make it work. This is not always easy, because you can never be best friends with over 200 people, but you manage, it is challenging, but in the end it works out.
What subjects are you taking?
I take Philosophy, English and Physics in Higher Level and Dutch, Math, World Arts and Cultures and Italian in Standard Level. By far the best subject in World Arts and Cultures.
What CAS activities are you involved in?
I do river kayaking on Tuesday afternoons and floor ball (hockey) on Thursdays. My creative is Model United Nations and for Social Service if organize Friday afternoon game sessions with kids in a local Youth Centre
What advice would you give to students thinking about applying?
Even if you are not 100% sure that this is what you want: Apply! Through applying you will discover if you have what it takes and if you feel comfortable with the idea of going to a UWC.
What are your ambitions after you leave UWC?
I am applying to Middle Eastern Studies in France and the UK to study more in depth the situations in the region and to hopefully major in Peace and Conflict studies.
I would really like to make a difference, either directly or indirectly and to be involved in the conflicts resolutions in the area.
