Jill Longson (AC 79-81) is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for Atlantic College, a position she has held since January 2007.
 
 “One of the most striking things about United World Colleges is the mindset - that everything is possible, that feeling that one person can make a difference.  This empowerment was not something that was common in schools. When I think back to my Jersey upbringing, there was only ever a limited range of careers that we were encouraged to do.  At UWC, this ‘everything is possible’ attitude prevails. If we wanted it enough and were passionate enough about something then we could achieve it, you could make it happen.  This attitude applies to all aspects of life at College – obviously academically, but also in relationships between people of different backgrounds and cultures and the community service challenges. UWC stretches you academically and personally and I love the fact that we were learnt how to explore and investigate so much. You are stretched in your everyday life and a lot is expected of you. It is an interesting balancing act to manage and live all aspects of life at the college.
 
“There are many challenges that come from being the Vice Chair of the Board of Governors. The main one that stands out is fundraising. The College is moving in the right direction but we must continue to ensure that the education we offer is relevant for 21st century. It is imperative to the UWC ethos to select students on merit regardless of the ability to pay but the reality is that if the funds are not available then this will not be possible.
 
“Another challenge is to make sure that all Atlantic College graduates give back to the UWC movement. This can be done by various means - donations, giving time, ideas, contacts etc. I think we all appreciate what our UWC education has given us, but we haven’t all necessarily acted on that.  I want to build this culture of giving back to ensure that the next generation of students will also have the opportunity to be selected on merit regardless of parental income and to experience the remarkable education that we had.

“I am in this role because I am passionate about UWC and I believe that support is needed now more than ever before. I have been very fortunate in my life and I now have an opportunity to give back to a remarkable organisation.”