"One of my teachers in London suggested that I apply to United World Colleges,” says Didi.” I wasn’t aware of what UWC was at the time, but he explained that a former pupil, Emina Adewusi (Atlantic College), from our school had studied at one of the Colleges, and they have an excellent reputation.” Encouraged by what she had been told, Didi contacted Emina to find out more. “Emina assured me that joining UWC would be an incredible opportunity and would allow me to build close bonds with people throughout the world. Everything I had been told really appealed.”

Didi sent an application to the National Committee of Great Britain and was invited to attend a selection weekend held at Atlantic College. “When I arrived for my interview I was amazed how open everybody was,” says Didi. “The atmosphere was like a cross between university and the college I had just left. Nobody seemed shy or closed and that made me feel really comfortable. I thought this was something I would love to be a part of,” remembers Didi. “During the interview, I recall being asked a variety of interesting questions, such as what things have changed you most and what are your ambitions.”

Prior to joining UWC, Didi had a clear idea of what her career goals were. “My priority was to attend a good university and study for a Geography-related qualification,” she says. Following her interview, Didi was offered a place at her first choice of College, UWC Costa Rica. “The idea of being a pioneer really appealed. I knew that there would be obstacles to overcome, but I liked the idea of attending a brand new College.”

With the help of its students and a dedicated staff team, UWCCR has made significant progress in its first year. It was recognised that some social tensions would be a by-product of the College’s development from the previous SOS secondary school, and the introduction of English as a teaching language alongside the Spanish has also been challenging.   “Beneath all of the surface tension, a new unified community is being created to form a central reference point for the future generations of the College,” Didi says. “When we discuss linguistic, social, academic and economic frictions, we are aiming to create an environment that meets our ideals as to what a UWC community should represent. Without any second year students as a reference point, we have to rely on friends at other UWCs and, most importantly, on our own ideals and vision,” she adds.

Didi and her fellow students are well aware that, as is the case with all new Colleges, the challenges cannot all be solved within their time at the College. “UWC Costa Rica is an ongoing project and will be for years to come. Modifications to that will be necessary for each year group.”

When she leaves the College in twelve months time, Didi intends to take a gap year to travel across Japan and Africa. Africa, in particular, is somewhere she wishes to understand in more depth in terms of its economic/socioeconomic difficulties. Her time at UWCCR has also inspired a change in her plans for further education. After travelling, she now plans to study for an international relations degree at a Canadian or British university.

As a person, Didi believes the experience has developed and matured her. “On reflection, I would say that I am more analytical and have expanded my critical view of the world. I am quite a different person a year on. I don’t take things for granted, particularly in terms of the lifestyle we enjoy.”