在亞美尼亞UWC就讀的Wilson在第一學期結束後所抒發的成長與反思。

文中探討Wilson自己對於UWC Dilijan校園活動的介紹與自己在平衡睡眠、課業、與社交的時間等。

正文：

UWC Dilijan is situated in a place that is extremely beautiful and where everything seems perfect. While the remoteness of the small town hindered development, it promoted the growth of nature. The air here is pure, seemingly unpolluted by the greenhouse gasses that smother much of the globe. It's a place where the sky retains its crystal clarity, and the stars twinkle with luminosity. You can hear birds singing all the time and smell the sweet scent of flowers everywhere. It's a special place where the beauty of nature is all around.

It's been a semester since I stepped foot in UWCD. From application to actually being on the campus, it's been a mesmerizing experience. Until now, I still feel surreal to study in such a cozy environment. Overall, I feel good about my improvement physically and mentally. Studying abroad is like a challenge to me, therefore I've conquered most of the obstacles hindering the path. I've come to appreciate the growth I've experienced both physically and mentally. The daily routine of hitting the gym has become a cornerstone of my time here, with the conducive environment motivating me to prioritize my physical health.

Learning experience

I truly cherish the opportunity to learn in such a relaxed environment. There was a week of orientation for newcomers to help us settle into school life, which is more laid-back compared to high school in Taiwan. The class hours each day are few, and it largely depends on how one manages their time. Typically, after classes, I participate in clubs (CAS), and if there are no CAS activities, I allocate time for exercise or head to the library to work on assignments and study. So far, the pressure during the first semester hasn't been overwhelming. There's a saying among students at UWC Dilijan: you can only choose two—sleep, study, or social life. I've felt the truth of this deeply. Even though there aren't many class hours, the days fly by. Some students stay up all night socializing or cramming for exams. It's a real test of your time management skills. I initially aimed to be in bed by 10 pm every day, surprisingly, I've mostly achieved this goal in the first semester.

Academically, it depends on the subjects you choose. Some require tedious homework and exams, while others focus on developing report writing skills. The difficulty varies. Personally, I enjoy writing reports and doing presentations, so doing homework is a pleasure for me. In addition, I’m an art person, and VA is one of the most enjoyable subjects in my opinion. Overall, I love the thrill of new experiences and am always eager to learn new knowledge and skills.

Activities

Attending UWC is an odyssey full of adventures and activities. We got multifarious activities that’s a feast for the eyes. Ranging from UWC day, skiing, swimming, project week, student overnight, regional evening, monday briefing, etc. UWC makes sure that students are always busy with something. If you're interested in joining in, don't forget to check your email regularly so you don't miss out on these great opportunities.

The balance of sleep, academics, and social life:

Balancing social interactions, academic commitments, gym sessions, and ensuring adequate sleep has proven challenging, but I've made a conscientious effort to produce quality work and cultivate a portfolio that reflects my dedication and passion for my field. For the next term, I want to be an overachiever. I aim to set open-ended goals that allow for continuous growth, understanding that the journey towards improvement is an ongoing process. Embracing the principle of delayed gratification, I'm committed to turning my progress into compound interest, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement.

Be brave:

I've learned a valuable lesson about the power of speaking up, regardless of origin or background. At UWC, I noticed that many people, unlike in some Asian cultures, aren't afraid to voice their thoughts, even if they're not perfect. This semester taught me that confidence can overcome excessive caution. In a diverse community, it's vital to share your own feelings and ideas confidently.

Don’t overthink:

Stoicism teaches us to accept the unchangeable and change what we can. It's fruitless to guess what others are thinking since everyone has their unique perspective. Focus on what you can influence instead of over analyzing.

Enjoy:

Time at UWC goes by quickly. It's important to socialize and make friends. Cherish every moment here for true happiness. And don't stress about setbacks. Most people at UWC are friendly and approachable, creating a supportive environment.

Conclusion

One of the standout aspects of life at UWCD has been the emphasis on the "celebration of difference." The enthusiasm among the community to learn Mandarin, particularly for practical everyday use, has left a lasting impression on me. I cherish the culture of different customs and ethnicities. Throughout the lectures we participated in identity, I realized that while external factors such as phenotypes, culture, ethnicity, race, and gender play a role in shaping identity, at a fundamental level, we are all individuals seeking love, care, and validation. Despite our differences, the fact that we're students at UWC brings us together, creating unity among us.

Overall, is it worth it? In my opinion, it’s completely worth it. Even though this was not the perfect year, I attempted my best. Most significantly, I experienced improvement in confidence and English fluency.