Amirali

My name is Amirali, and I’m from Iran.

When I heard about the UWC initiative and the idea of bringing students from all over the world and creating a diverse community, it felt like something out of reach for me.

I couldn’t imagine that I would be able to be part of this movement, coming from a country with so many limitations and setbacks. I feared I wouldn’t be accepted, and this idea continued until I passed the application process. From the moment I found out I had been accepted, anything seemed possible. It enabled my mindset to change and to view every obstacle as an opportunity, a chance to grow and develop my skills. This mindset got even stronger during my first year of UWC Atlantic, all of this is thanks to the community and movement.

Throughout my first year, I got to know so many people and cultures from around the world, which helped me gain a better understanding of the world around me. I feel so lucky that I had the chance to get to know these great people and call them my family. We are a family that doesn't have the same skin colour, height or race, but at the same time, we share the same mindset and dreams of making the world a better place. It’s this belief that brought us together in the first place.

During my first year at the college, I‘ve gained a lot of experience and developed my skills to another level. I was involved in organising the 24-hour-race, TEDx and the Lighthouse Hackathon. I joined the Peace Council and Foundation 21, both of which are groups that work towards bringing peace to the world. One of the most important roles I have been involved in is as a College Ambassador. It is a huge responsibility to be the face of the college for its many external visitors, and it’s something I take great pride in. I have viewed all of these opportunities as a chance for me to grow and be able to get out of my comfort zone.