I remember that my first few days at AC. I was overwhelmed with the bustling of people, trying to get to know each other in a sea of strangers from more than 90 different countries. Immediately I felt like the atmosphere of this school is amazing; everyone is so open and ready to meet new people regardless of their identity. Since this is the first year for the Taiwan committee to officially send students to AC, many students are curious about the political, historical, and cultural aspects of Taiwan (you will have to explain it a lot of times if you come here, trust me). For me, the first few days were quite tiring. Our schedule was packed morning to night with swimming tests, campus tours, and much more activities to let us know the campus and the people. Although I was extremely tired, it helped me a lot in adjusting my sleep schedule to UK time (which would be messed up after the academic part of the year starts). After our introduction to school, we went to a camp filled with outdoors activities such as surfing, hiking, and games.

For me, I really started to appreciate AC after we started the academic part of the year. At this point, I had an established daily routine. I would wake up at around 6:45 am, get dressed and walk to meditation morning—hosted at a teacher’s house where we meditate and then have a healthy breakfast—and then to school, which starts at 8 am. Our classes usually ends at 1:10 pm, which then I would have lunch in the canteen. The food isn’t always amazing, but my surplus of instant noodles means that I can cook back at my house if I want. In the afternoon, my activities vary day to day: from physical activities (football), creative activities (MUN), community services (Music For Fun), to additional lessons or events, the short school period does not mean that AC students get a lot of free time. After numerous activities, I would have dinner and then either do homework or attend council meetings such as Student Council or Peace Council. In AC, students actually do have a chance to make a difference in the school by participating in one of the many councils. The main council I devote my time to is Student Council since I am currently a house representative. At night, students are checked in to their houses but they still can leave their dorms and do work in the quiet room or socialize in the day room.

From AC, the most important thing I learned (and still learning) is balance. Balance, in my opinion, is what people need when they leave the comfort of school to set out in the real world. AC constantly requires you balance your academics, social life, activities, and sleep (important!). Do you go out with your friends and do homework later in the night? Do you spend more time doing this activity even though you would miss out on another? These questions cannot be answered by a simple yes or no, it really depends on the situation and your personal definition of balance. I believe that these years in AC will really help me shape my definition of balance and change myself for the better.