When the young gets wings!

Alma. Alex. Hannah.

This story is about three teenagers who recently embarked on educational journeys in Bosnia, Wales and Costa Rica, under the banner of United World College (UWC). There are 18 colleges around the globe which offer this two-year residential pre-university programme.

 UWC’s mission is explicit: to build leaders for tomorrow with emphasis on diversity and sustainability.

The mothers of the teenagers reflected on the process and expressed their feelings about sending their daughters overseas at a time of tremendous change in the context of the corona virus pandemic. 

Alma – the child of diplomats

Alma, the child of diplomats moved to Jamaica with her mother Zorana three years ago. For her mom, it was her eighth posting in 20 years, while her dad Jose, was working in Guinea-Bissau. Alma embraced life in this tropical country and immersed herself into the learning experience at the American International School of Kingston.

Originally from Croatia, Zorana was thrilled that Alma was accepted at Bosnia Mostar College, a short distance from where her family was rooted. This college has an enrollment of 200 students from 60 countries.

At age 15, Alma is among the youngest to participate in the UWC programme. After a month in Bosnia, she is back home in Jamaica.  Making the adjustment to boarding school life is not always easy. Sometimes it’s the food, other times it’s the living conditions or it could be a disagreeable roommate. Even the weather can have a negative effect on a child’s wellbeing. Sometimes it’s a combination of all of the above.

The truth is that Bosnia was not quite ready for Alma, a practicing vegan. Meat is prominent in the Balkan diet and little thought is given to vegan or vegetarian fare. In her short time on the campus, Alma helped the kitchen staff craft a vegan meal plan and because of her intervention, vegans and vegetarians who attend Mostar will have better food choices.

Zorona admits to mixed feelings – “proud and disappointed.” She praised Alma for the courage to recognize that the arrangements were not working. She feels Alma is all the more courageous because her decision to return home could be met with derision or criticism or viewed as a failure. Zorona accepts that the timing was not right for Alma to get immersed in the culture of her Balkan forebears.

A passionate young woman, Alma who spent three months in Norway and one in Bosnia, learnt that it is not so much about the place you find yourself in, it’s more about the people around you. For Alma, the learning hasn’t stopped, she is back in school and sees herself carving out a career in international relations and something to do with community building.

Hannah – embracing remote learning

Hannah, 17, attended Immaculate Conception High School and has always yearned for the kind of diversity offered by a UWC programme. She is enrolled at the Costa Rica College, the only one of its kind in Latin America and has started classes remotely via a hybrid model.

Visa issues and restricted airline schedules brought on by covid-19 have delayed her departure. The child of attorneys, Hannah did her own research and was fully invested in the discovery and application process – which included essay writing, a two-hour interview and an interactive session with co-applicants, all on Zoom.

Sharon said because of her daughter’s enthusiasm she simply fell in line. Although not quite prepared to send off her eldest child at 17, she however, decided it was time to let go. Having accepted that Hannah was about to get her wings, the question Sharon asked herself was: “Have I told her all I need to tell her?” Hannah is ready for the adventure. Her parents feel that the UWC Costa Rica programme is an amazing opportunity for her and are assured that the family values that she has been taught, will guide her steps.

Hannah has been interacting with her classmates in remote sessions. She has met her roommates and participates in a number of extra-curricular activities. At the moment Hannah is enjoying the best of both worlds. She is in the bosom of her loving family and she is also embracing her new, diverse, school family.

Remote learning has its challenges though, so Hannah is anxious to get to campus. At the speed of events, Hannah may not get to Costa Rica before 2021. Her parents and brother are not sad about that though, because Christmas baby Hannah, may celebrate this milestone birthday with them in December.  As she presses toward her goal of becoming an illustrator, Hannah can always count on the full backing of her family.  

Alex on a full-ride scholarship

Alex, 17 has landed in Wales where she is enrolled at the oldest UWC College, Atlantic. Established in 1962, Atlantic has 350 students from 90 countries.

The St. Andrew High School graduate did her research and applied for admission on her own. Her mother, who is a realtor, confessed that she had no idea the outcome would be a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious educational institution.

“On top of that I was not ready for her to leave home and worse to go abroad,” Carell reflected.

The application process was done in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. St. Catherine where the Hanson family lives, was on lock down, consular and passport services were suspended and airlines were grounded. Everything happened quickly, as Carell recalled. Alex did her interview on Friday and by Sunday she was advised of her acceptance on a full scholarship.

In all of this she missed the first intake and was left with an eleven-day window to leave the island. It was a scramble but she made it. And on September 18, the tightly-knit family of John, Carell, Danielle and Alexandra headed to the Norman Manley airport, on a mission they are not likely to soon forget.

These are critical years in a young woman’s life. Carell understands that she may miss out on some important life-changing experiences in Alex’s life.

“I take solace in the fact that with technology I can talk to her often whether by text or video call.” Carell says her girls know no subject is off limits in their household. They can freely discuss any subject so she anticipates those important calls from Alex.

Being a disciplined child, Carell is not worried about Alex conforming to the rigid, rule-requirements of boarding school life. After two weeks of isolation, Alex has started face-to-face classes. She is cool with her two roommates and has given thumbs up to the bathroom facilities. The college is near the coast and she is enjoying the scenery. Alex is a vegetarian and in talks with her mom, has described the mystery “meats” she has been served, which reminds us that the issue with meals is not an isolated one after all.

Her older sister Danielle, checks in regularly and sends her inspirational messages via Whatsapp. Her dad John, who is an IT entrepreneur, has a new morning ritual- rising early, given the difference in time zones, to make his checks on his daughter.

Alexandra, is still trying to figure out her career calling, for the moment, medicine and actuarial science are competing for attention.

Whatever career they choose these are three passionate young achievers who are already visualizing their place in the world as tomorrow’s leaders.