Giving Back Through the Global Selections Programme

December 12, 2024

Please introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

Hi, I’m Ronke. I’m originally from the Netherlands, but I grew up in seven different countries. In 2011, I arrived at UWC Maastricht as a day student and graduated in 2014 after having the chance to spread my IB Diploma Programme over three years. Before coming to UWCM, I was living with my family in Nigeria, where I was already exploring opportunities to study abroad. That’s when I came across UWC. The mission resonated deeply with me—it was everything I wanted to be part of! Eventually, I joined UWCM as a day student, living with relatives in Maastricht. The transition was tough—new city, new home, new curriculum, and new “housemates,” in a way. While people often hear about how challenging it is for residential students, my experience as a day student was also a big adjustment. I was a quieter student but made friends quickly by putting myself out there. Academically, it was challenging at first, but adding an extra year to my studies gave me the time I needed to really settle in and succeed. After UWC, I started studying Animal Science but later switched to Arts, Culture, and Media at the University of Groningen, where I earned my degree. Then COVID hit, complicating job hunting. So, I pursued a master’s degree in teaching English as a Foreign Language with the International University of Barcelona, which I completed online. It was a fantastic and practical programme. Now, I work as a timetable officer at a hotel school in The Hague, and I’m actively looking for teaching opportunities in international schools across the Netherlands.

What’s your favorite UWCM memory?

It has to be the sense of unity. It wasn’t just about coming from so many countries and cultures but also how we were taught. Experiential learning and the trips we went on were such a big part of my experience. I especially remember the trips organized by my Dutch teacher, Ria Prins. Those moments of connection and shared exploration really stood out.

How did the UWC mission resonate with you when you first encountered it? How does it guide your life today?

When I first read the UWC mission, I was already an idealist, even at 15. In Nigeria, I had started a community group called Thinkers of the World to bring people together and encourage thinking outside the box. The mission felt like it captured who I wanted to be as a person. I remember people saying, “This sounds just like you!” Today, I still live by the UWC mission. I encourage brave conversations in my social and professional circles, helping people gain new perspectives and learn from each other. I love exploring why people think the way they do, challenging their perspectives, and showing them the world isn’t black and white but full of nuance and color. It’s not always easy to stay optimistic with everything happening in the world, but that’s precisely when we need to hold onto that idealism. It reminds me to keep pushing for change and fostering understanding, no matter how hard it gets.

What’s the most valuable skill or lesson you gained at UWC?

Critical thinking, hands down. It wasn’t something that came naturally to me, but my time at UWC really helped me develop it. I learned how to process my thoughts, articulate them, and collaborate with people who had entirely different perspectives. Theory of Knowledge (ToK) was instrumental in this, as were subjects like English and the discussions we had during CAS. I used to feel frustrated when others didn’t see things the way I did, but over time, I learned to appreciate the diversity of opinions. Now, I’m curious about why people think the way they do, and I find it fascinating.

How have you been giving back to the UWC movement?

Thanks to a post on the UWC Maastricht Connect platform, I found out that UWC International was looking for volunteers for the Global Selections Programme (GSP). Since it’s all remote, I realized I could contribute by combining my experience as a UWC alum with what I learned in my teaching studies. The work can be a lot, especially on selection days, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s such a privilege to be part of someone’s UWC journey from the very beginning. For anyone thinking about getting involved, the commitment is flexible—you can review as many or as few applications as you have time for, and you join interviews based on your availability. If you’re looking to reconnect with UWC, this is a fantastic way to give back. It’s meaningful, and it brings you right back to the heart of the movement.