UWCSEA Scholarship Programme Graduating Scholars 2024/2025

UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Graduating Scholars 2024/2025

Meet some of our scholars

“There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.”– Kurt Hahn

A peacebuilder in the making

Deng Samuel Aguer Bul ’25

Scholar from South Sudan

From conflict to connection: how education sparked my ongoing journey for peacebuilding in South Sudan.

My time at UWCSEA has completely changed the way I see the world and my place in it. Coming in as a scholar with a refugee background from South Sudan, I knew this opportunity would be life-changing, but I didn’t fully grasp just how much I would grow academically, personally, and as a leader. UWCSEA gave me the space to think critically, engage with different perspectives, and take action on the things I care about.

The most stimulating part of UWCSEA has been the constant intellectual and cultural exchange. Whether through deep discussions in classes, late-night discussions in the boarding house, or vibrant events like CultuRama, I was constantly exposed to new perspectives. Leading the South Sudan–East Timor CultuRama dance was especially meaningful, as it combined performance with storytelling, history, and identity. Through CultuRama, I formed an unexpected but lasting friendship with Lala from Timor-Leste. Despite our different backgrounds, shared leadership and collaboration on the performance brought us together and taught me the power of understanding, respect, and unity.

Beyond the classroom, I also embraced every opportunity for growth. The Initiative for Peace was transformative, giving me real-world experience in peacebuilding and leadership skills. As a member of the ‘Dragon A Football’ team, I learned resilience and discipline through sport. Participating in ‘Kahaani’ pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the world of expressive movement. On the Boarding House Social Committee, I helped strengthen community bonds through peer support and event planning. Through gymnastics and fitness services at the PCF 140 Childcare Centre, I worked with children to develop motor skills and promote active lifestyles. Each of these experiences reinforced my belief in the power of community, connection, and using education for impact, values I will carry with me long after graduation. It has helped me turn my passion for peacebuilding into something real, like developing my Initiative for Peace – South Sudan project.

I believe peace begins when young people learn, live, and lead together. UWCSEA has given me the tools and mindset I need to tackle these challenges, and I am excited to take them back to my country and contribute to its peace and growth. My vision for the Initiative for Peace – South Sudan is to bring together students from different tribes, sponsor their education in Rwanda, and help them grow into future peace leaders. This summer, I will organise a ‘Peace Cultural Day’ at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp—the place I once called home, using music, dance, and art to foster unity. In September, I will join the University of Tampa in Florida to study Finance. I hope to create economic opportunities and to help empower youth to lead South Sudan toward a more peaceful and united future.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported my scholarship. Coming from a refugee camp, I once saw my future as uncertain. But you saw the potential in me, and through your support, I’ve come to believe in myself. Thank you for giving me the gift of education and hope. I’m committed to paying it forward so that more South Sudanese youth can have the same chance to rise and make a difference. Thank you!

From fear to endless possibilities Keziah Bayson ’25

Scholar from the Philippines

The world once felt too big to navigate. But because of UWCSEA, I now see it as a place full of possibility, not fear. It’s hard to believe my time at UWCSEA has come to an end—it still doesn’t feel real. I have dreamt about being part of this community for as long as I can remember, and now, I am graduating, it’s like I’m waking up from a dream. I remember when I first heard about UWC. I promised myself that one day I would apply, and when the acceptance letter arrived, it was hard for me to believe it. It felt like something I had only imagined was suddenly mine.

Looking back, I remember feeling excited and nervous about what was ahead. I wanted to connect with people from all over the world, to learn about cultures I had never encountered before. I wanted to make this place, so far from home, feel like home. What I didn’t know was how much I would grow in the process.

Being at UWCSEA has given me the opportunity to lead projects that truly matter to me, like the “Food on Wheels” initiative. What began as an oral presentation in my Global Politics class on the issue of pagpag—recycled food eaten by people in extreme poverty, turned into something much bigger. I felt compelled to take action, and with the support of the ‘Go Make A Difference Award,’ I co-led a project to fight malnutrition in the slums of Tondo, Philippines. We repurposed old food carts to deliver nutritious meals, transforming a class project into a real-world impact. Partnering with a local NGO was important because it made sure we were helping in a way that the community truly needed. It taught me the importance of listening, collaboration, and sustainable service. This experience remains one of the most meaningful parts of my UWC journey and has deepened my commitment to using education and leadership to create positive change.

UWCSEA has given me the space to explore art, writing, and film. After graduation, I’m looking forward to beginning my next chapter at Skidmore College in the United States, where I am inclined to study International Relations and Humanities. I’ll take with me the strong sense of community that UWC has given me. Leaving home for university feels bittersweet, but I know I’ve grown in ways that will help me feel grounded wherever I go. I’ve come to value the person I’ve become, and I’ve learned to treat myself with more compassion.

I am deeply grateful to the generous scholarship donors who made this lifechanging journey possible. Attending UWC has been so much more than just an education, it has been a transformative experience that has reshaped how I see myself and the world around me. Because of UWC, I’ve learned to embrace who I am with greater self-compassion and confidence. Through this process, I’ve grown into someone who no longer fears the unknown but instead sees it as an opportunity for growth and connection. My worldview has expanded, and with it, my sense of purpose and empathy. None of this would have been possible without your support.

Rooted in Guatemala, ready to embrace the world

Josue David Giron Morataya ’25

Scholar from Guatemala

UWCSEA didn’t just open doors for me, it helped me fulfill my dreams and shape my identity.

Before coming to UWC, I was searching for a learning opportunity that would challenge me, one that offered diverse perspectives, strong academic pathways, and the chance to create social impact. Coming from a low middleclass family, my chances of finding such opportunities seemed impossible. Despite all my tears and effort, the right moment never seemed to come until I discovered UWC.

I still remember the demanding selection process, which brought both joy and unforgettable memories. It felt almost impossible to believe I would be granted such a remarkable opportunity to grow and represent Guatemala.

From the start, I knew UWC would be a challenging experience, full of learning and connection with people from around the world. Coming from a small family of four, moving into the boarding house wasn’t easy. I had to navigate uncomfortable conversations, a new environment, and a space where my first language wasn’t spoken. Still, despite these challenges, I built deep relationships with people who inspire me daily. My classmates, roommates, houseparents, and teachers have become part of my extended family. Their love and support gave me a profound sense of belonging and hope.

At UWC, I was surrounded by incredible opportunities to explore both old passions and new ones. I immersed myself in the arts, especially drama, where I discovered how performance can reflect society and create meaningful change. I also engaged with traditional Micronesian art forms like “Khon” and “Barong”, which opened my eyes to the richness of cultural storytelling. These experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow.

My love for service continued to grow as well. I joined “SGM Murni with Little Kids,” a local organization, where I worked as a logistics officer. Together with my classmates, we planned learning sessions to teach children new languages and life skills. I learned about early childhood education, creative teaching methods, and leadership. Inspired by this, I launched my own initiative in Guatemala, connecting rural students with international school opportunities. It was a rewarding experience that deepened my connection with my community and reaffirmed my purpose.

UWC has given me the space to grow and reflect. I feel more prepared than ever to turn my dreams into reality, not just for myself, but for those around me. Listening to different perspectives has deepened my empathy and broadened my worldview. This fall, I will be attending Hamilton University where I’ll be studying Government and Theater, using them as tools to explore our humanity and celebrate our differences. Even though the road ahead won’t be easy, UWC has given me the confidence and support network to face it.

The thought of leaving Singapore and stepping into adulthood brings a bit of fear and sadness. Though my time at UWCSEA ends, the sense of belonging and impact remains. Thank you for this life-changing opportunity. I came here as a boy full of dreams, afraid of the world. Now, I leave confident, passionate, and ready to give back.

Strong believer in learn, earn, and return

Eugenia Dos Santos Da Costa Oliveira ’25

Scholar from Timor-Leste

My bigger dream lies back home. The children there deserve the same quality of education that UWC gave me.

UWCSEA has opened the door for many opportunities I never thought possible. There were so many firsts: my first internship, my first time speaking at a donor event, my first real sports win—we won the U19 Straits Football tournament in Malaysia. I still remember the tough days during my early transition, but I got through them with the support of this amazing community. I have had lovely host families and enjoyed talking to people and sharing my stories. UWCSEA has contributed a lot to my personal growth, I am a different person now. This is so much more than I expected when leaving my home country. This journey has shaped me deeply.

One of my favorite memories at UWCSEA was leading CultuRama for Timor-Leste and South Sudan. With 30 dancers, I was moved by how eager everyone was to celebrate our cultures, especially as two of the world’s youngest nations. While global attention often centers on countries like the US, UK, Russia, China, or India, CultuRama gave us a platform to show that we, too, are rich in culture, history, and pride. We could do our part in making our countries known in this international community. Beyond academics, I connected with most people through service. As Chair of Global Concerns, I worked with many different groups and perspectives. It was challenging at first, but

I embraced it and grew as a leader. My community project is still in the works; I plan to run a free English course at a school in a village called Bazartete in Timor-Leste. When I return home, all I want is to make a difference. I don’t yet know exactly how, but I trust that something in me will lead the way. One day, I hope Timor-Leste will know me as the “Future President.”

I’m excited to be heading to a Davis Partner College, St. Olaf College to study Quantitative Economics, Public Health, and Psychology. UWC has prepared me well, I truly feel ready for this next chapter. UWCSEA has equipped me with so many essential skills, including time management, leadership, initiative, and resilience. After my studies, I plan to work in the United States for a few years and hope to bring my parents with me. But my bigger dream lies back home. The children there deserve the same quality of education that UWC gave me. I believe in “Learn, Earn, Return.” That’s my path. I want to make a difference in the world and I will start with home.

Thank you so much for your support. I promise to pay it forward. I will definitely come back as an alumna who brings positive change to her community!

Obrigado barak ba ita nia apoio — Thank you.

A proud Cambodian driven by service

Soktheara Man ’25 Scholar from Cambodia

If there is one way UWCSEA has left a mark on me, it’s in how I search for another UWC after UWCSEA.

For the past few months, college decisions have filled my mind. As the first in my family to attend university, I didn’t know where to start. But I did know one thing, I needed to find something that felt like UWCSEA again. Our optimism, spirits, values, and mission are among many things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Looking back on my five years here, the most meaningful part has been becoming the person my 14-year-old self would admire. She didn’t have all the answers, but she took a leap of faith when she applied for this scholarship. She believed the world she grew up in could be different. At UWCSEA, I learned to raise my voice and use it well. I’ve advocated, written letters, led awareness campaigns, and dedicated most of my time to investigating the “big questions” that I could not answer before. My younger self, shy and quiet, would be proud that I am now an eloquent speaker, a listener, and an active part of this community.

Service has become a core part of who I am. As Chair of the Global Concerns Executive and of ISF GC (supporting an NGO in Phnom Penh), I worked with passionate people and learned how to lead with empathy. I also joined “Lakeside Reading,” helping children strengthen their English. These experiences reminded me that change starts with connection.

Through UWCSEA, I’ve had the chance to explore issues close to my heart. For my extended essay and Political Engagement Activity in Global Politics, I received incredible support from

mentors and had access to resources that helped me dive deep into topics I care about. I led campus initiatives like fundraising, preparing for International Women’s Day, and presenting our Global Concerns impact report. The most meaningful aspect of all these learning experiences, whether through service, classes, or physical activities, is the connection I made with people.

I will be attending Macalester College for Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and I hope to pursue a career in NGOs, IGOs, or even the legal field. My goal is to support communities, empower women and children, and help build a more transparent, just legal system in my country. If everything aligns, I dream of helping reform the legal field, making it more inclusive and effective.

My advice to future scholars, take the leap. You never know how far you can go unless you leave the shore. As Kurt Hahn said, “There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” This quote has stuck with me and will forever inspire me.

I am deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in my potential. Your support has not only transformed my life but also inspired me to pursue the things I long to dream of with renewed determination. Each day, I am reminded of kindness and generosity of the UWCSEA community, and I will carry them with me as I pursue my career and dreams of contributing positively to my community back home.

-Thank you for everything.

A budding aerospace engineer

Saleth Mofadhal

’25

Scholar from Costa Rica

Education at UWC influenced this journey since it inspired me to continue the pursuit of knowledge.

The UWCSEA experience has given me opportunities I would have never been able to access any other way. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to new places, learn from new cultures, have an excellent education, and make friendships for a lifetime. One of the most stimulating aspects I have experienced during my journey was the academics. My favourite class was HL Physics. The academics have motivated me to continue a journey of learning and inspired me to let my curiosity expand. Being able to apply the knowledge from the classroom to the real world has helped me make my education even more meaningful, and I look forward to the many other things I will learn and apply this knowledge in the future.

Adapting to a new culture and a very different academic environment was challenging. The rigorous curriculum of the IB, the high academic expectations, and being away from home can be very challenging sometimes. However, I was able to overcome these challenges with the support of my teachers, friends, and houseparents who truly showed me how supportive the UWCSEA community is.

During my two year journey, I was a member of the student council representing the boarding community. I was part of the astronomy club, and was a member of the wellbeing committee in school, and I created the languages club in the boarding house. I joined the Ideas Hub as I wanted to learn robotics. I started with electronics and soldering. During this journey, I was able to build the circuits of many things, allowing me to build a flashlight and a digital clock with thermo sensors from scratch.

At UWCSEA, I’ve been proud to make an impact through my GC, A Key for Guatemala, supporting the NGO From Houses to Homes. After two years of hard work, we raised funds and helped improve lives in Guatemala, an experience that has inspired me to keep pursuing meaningful projects. In my service, I worked with neurodiverse primary students. While I may never fully know the impact I had on them, I know the impact they had on me. They taught me to see the world differently, to listen deeply, and to reconnect with the joy and wonder of childhood.

My journey in UWC has inspired me to pursue the career of my dreams, no matter how challenging it may be, since I learned how much I enjoy acquiring information, learning new things, and overcoming challenges when it comes to the things I am passionate about. My ambition for the future is to do the best I can and achieve the best results possible.

After UWCSEA, I will be attending the University of Oklahoma to study Aerospace Engineering. In the future, I wish to become an Engineer. Education at UWC influenced this journey since it inspired me to continue the pursuit of knowledge. Thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future. Thanks for transforming my life and giving me the opportunity to experience things that will change my life forever.

Through the power of community giving, UWCSEA’s Scholarship Programme equips young people from different nations and cultures with the skills, experiences, and education to help shape a more peaceful and sustainable world.