FINDING
MYFUTURE
StellaCortesi
When Stellafinishedschoolin Switzerland, she decidedto take a leap intothe unknown: a gap year abroad at ItchenCollege.What began as an adventure quicklybecame a definingexperience,one thatnot only gave her independencebut also helpedher find her future.
“My dad did an exchange in Great Britain, and it’s close to Switzerland so I could go home in the holidays,” Stellarecalls of her decisionto choose the UK. And when pressed on her decisionto chooseItchen, she admits it was both thelocationand thestaff.
“Southampton is so safe, and Lynne was really nice in my interview
A whirlwindfew days ensued, witha last-minutescramble to pack Her bags, before being whiskedoff to a new land , a new home, a new school.But studying fewer subjects at greater depth was an asset for Stella,giving her newfound insightsintoher academicpassions, solidifyingher study ambitions.
“My year at Itchen confirmed that psychology was the field I wanted to study,” she reflects. perspective, and gratitude.
Her timeat ItchenCollegewas pivotal.During her year, she enjoyed unforgettablehighlights—tripsto Thorpe Park, Winchester and Harry PotterStudios—whilealso navigatingtoughermoments, especiallyinthe winter months. Through it all, she grew in resilience,
Stellaspeaks warmly of thefriendships she made, the teacherswho guided her, and the culturalimmersionthat enrichedher year. She encourages futureexchange studentsto embrace every part of theexperience: open the highs and the lows.”
Today degree at university.The pathto getthere was no small achievement: she successfullypassed her first in a fiercely competitiveprogramme, where only 250 places are availablefor 900 students.With her eyes set firmly on the future, Stellaplans tocompleteboth a bachelor’sand a master’s degree, witha particularinterestin neuroscience psychology.
Stellaappreciatesthe balancebetweenher studiesand family life,withuniversity only a short 15-minutecommuteaway. Her gap year abroad gave her a deeper appreciationfor her home, her parents, and the weather!
“But don’t let anything stop you – especially the weather!” she adds hastilywhen discussingthe wintermonths.
“Say yes to everything; you only live once so just go for it!”
• AppliedLaw
• Criminology
• Maths
• Psychology
FINDOUTMORE
