Sheryl
Meet Sheryl, a first year student from India, who, when she arrived at UWC Atlantic, was excited but unprepared for just how challenging the transition would be.
“I think the first term was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. It was so much adjusting.”
Coming from India, where family plays a central role in everyday life, the adjustment to independence was especially difficult. Moving away from that support system was a challenge, but UWC Atlantic offered something unique in return.
“The best part I like about UWC is that I get to go into adulthood in a safe environment, it’s like failing without any risk. In this environment, you can fail but try again and get up again.”
One of the most powerful aspects of Sheryl’s experience has been learning alongside students from around the world. “It was just so fascinating speaking to people from everywhere in the world.” Explaining that while opinions differ, lived experiences are what truly shape people.
“Everyone has opinions about everything in life, but what makes a person is their experiences.”
Conversations with classmates opened her eyes to new perspectives on sustainability, education and global issues. Beyond the classroom, Sheryl continues to pursue her passion for social change through her project, Astitva Teens, which she has been running for three years.
“Astiva Teens focuses on educating teenagers about identities and the LGBTQIA+ community. We aim to create safe, inclusive and accepting spaces within school.”
Rather than leaving this part of herself behind, UWC Atlantic empowered her to continue and expand it through her CAS commitments and Lighthouse project.
“One misconception is that when you come here, you need to leave parts of yourself back home and that has not been true at all, UWC Atlantic provides the opportunity to be able to continue things that I feel so very passionate about.”
Through the co-curricular projects, Sheryl chose to try something entirely new. “I didn’t want to replicate my old life so I tried rugby.” She describes how the school also connects students to local culture.
“Every Thursday afternoon, I know I’m going to come back with the muddiest and smelliest clothes and having learned something new.”
Perhaps the biggest change has been internal. “One thing that I’ve really learned a lot is that you yourself need to be happy.”
Looking ahead, Sheryl is organising TEDxUWC Atlantic 2026 and hopes to pursue an internship with the United Nations.
“We really need intergenerational conversations, I believe older generations cannot sit in a room and make decisions for young people without their voice.”
Reflecting on her journey so far, Sheryl believes UWC Atlantic has shaped how she sees the world and her place in it.
“In this school, I’ve learnt the importance of small moments. It is not always about winning big but the small moments matter. Going for a walk on the beach, celebrating times when you learnt to cook a dish by yourself, picking yourself up after a long day, those silly or serious conversations in the dining hall. You learn to appreciate each moment and each person around you.”
“I really want to make a change in the world. I’m really driven to make the world a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.”
“Being here, I’ve learnt the importance of small moments. It is not always about winning big but the small moments matter. Going for a walk on the beach, celebrating times when you learnt to cook a dish by yourself, picking yourself up after a long day, those silly or serious conversations in the dining hall. You learn to appreciate each moment and each person around you.”
