I am one of the fortunate individuals who have had the opportunity to experience two distinct UWC journeys. I first attended UWC Mahindra for a year, followed by two years at UWC Maastricht. Emerging from a rural and financially unstable background, gaining admission to UWC represented a golden opportunity for me.
In 2012, I was selected for the Pre-IB program, which led me to spend a year at the UWC Mahindra campus in India. This marked my initial experience living independently, away from my parents, amidst a diverse group of individuals from around the world. Initially, I grappled with apprehensions about interacting with others due to my limited English speaking skills and lack of confidence. However, once I decided to step out of my comfort zone, I made significant strides in improving my English and bolstering my confidence. That year was pivotal for both my academic and social development.
Following successful passage through the Indian National Committee selection process, I gained admission to UWC Maastricht in the Netherlands. While I had grown somewhat more confident by this point, it marked my first experience living outside of India. Initially, I battled homesickness and struggled to adapt to the climate, cuisine, and culture. Academic challenges loomed large during the first semester. However, as time passed, I gradually acclimated to the community. The various conferences, cultural weeks, and numerous other events became unforgettable memories of my UWC experience. Over those two years, I forged lifelong friendships and learned from some of the world’s finest educators. The UWC Maastricht community played a crucial role in shaping me into a better person.
At UWC Maastricht, the UWC values were not merely words found on websites, in books, or in brochures; they were lived and breathed in our daily lives. We celebrated Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali, eliminating any feelings of homesickness during these special occasions. It was a place where Israelis and Palestinians collaboratively established a committee dedicated to building peace in Israel, where a Moroccan and a Western Saharan became roommates and close friends. Late-night discussions on current affairs and passionate conversations about “how to make the world a better place” were everyday occurrences and among my favorite moments from those two years.
The UWC experience is what you make of it. It compels individuals to continue embodying its spirit and uphold its values even after leaving. On the day I left UWC Maastricht, I made a personal commitment to carry the essence of UWC within me and to live the UWC Life indefinitely by effecting change in any way possible.
Subsequently, my journey led me to Lewis & Clark College, affording me the opportunity to study what I was passionate about while engaging in activities that facilitated my professional development. Serving as the ISLC President and the Co-chair of the International Affairs Symposium in the same year equipped me with valuable professional skills that have proven instrumental as I embarked on the endeavor to establish Project Adira. Project Adira seeks to transform the lives of promising underprivileged Indian girls by connecting them to global higher education opportunities. I conceived this program as a means of paying forward the life-transforming opportunities I had been fortunate to receive.