A look back...
In 2017, I wasn't able to post much on my blog mainly because I had a lot going on in terms of school. Third term is the most stressful term of the IB and everything hits you at once without any warning.
All in all, 2017 was a crazy year! There’s a lot to look back too and see how far I’ve come. Therefore, I decided to share my TOP 8 MOMENTS of 2017 that shaped my year. (they are not in chronological order) I have written posts on some of these moments as well as uploaded some photos which can be found in the Photo Gallery section.
1. Graduation
I already wrote a blog post about this but it needs to be highlighted again. On May 21st 2017, I had to say goodbye to some of my best friends who I had lived with for a year in India. It was so strange realizing that half of our campus would start a new journey and leave the rest of us to continue the chapter we were on without them. It is on this day that I realized I had found my new family in MUWCI. In MUWCI, I was able to redefine my definition of family. ‘Family’, I now believe, is anyone there for you through tough times as well as the good times. Family is anyone who helps you grow as a person and uplifts you when you need a hand.
I am grateful to everyone who I met at MUWCI who became part of my new family and shaped me into who I am today. I can’t repay you enough.
2. Friendship
Another highlight for me this year, which ties into my previous one, is the friends I have made at MUWCI throughout these two years; inclusive of people from my batch, my second years as well as my new first years who just completed their first term at MUWCI. Through the UWC experience, I have made friends from all over the world, all from different walks of life with different values and opinions.
My relationships with my friends all vary; however, at the end of the day, I value all my friendships equally. On my birthday this year, I realized how many people at MUWCI got my back and cared about me. (much more than I expected) Even though I spent my birthday away from my siblings and parents, I had an amazing day and couldn’t ask for any more. I was immensely showered with love and good wishes.
3. Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere.) The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities.
This year, Odila and I spent Diwali with our friend Kashvi and her family in Pune. Her family was very welcoming and eager to learn more about us and our countries. Immediately we arrived at her house, we were welcomed by her family and felt at home. On the day of Diwali, we decorated her house and went to buy Kurtas with her mother. After celebrating by lighting sparklers and having a meal together, we played games with her family until late in the night.
4. December Break
This was the break I was looking forward to the most because of the hectic term I had. By October, I was ready to go home and be with my family for the holidays. I had an amazing break with my family! My friends from school also joined me during this break and we had a good time together.
During the break, my family and friend Laura from Colombia went to Uganda for white water rafting in Jinja. We then spent Christmas at my grandparent’s house by the lake. We played board games and had a good time as a family.
When I got back home, Eva and Neila who graduated from MUWCI in 2017 came to visit me for a few days before going to Tanzania. I had a really good time catching up with them after 6 months.
Also during the break, I got to meet a couple of my friends who I hadn’t seen for a while. Even though I had an insane amount of college applications to complete (6 deadlines on Jan 1!), I had an amazing time with my family and friends. Out of the three breaks I have been back home, this was by far the best one.
5. Film Studies
Film is one of the subjects I take in the IB. It falls under the Group 6 section which is known as The Arts. I took Film with very little knowledge on how to direct a short film, let alone know how to manipulate a camera. However, I have made a lot of progress with the subject and learnt a lot from it.
I look back at the previous films I made in the beginning of the year and compare them to the content I am making now and can only marvel at the transformation I have made. I no longer choose specific shots because I think they look good, however, I now choose specific shots with an intended purpose in mind.
Also, through Film, I have been able to work with amazing people who have helped me understand the subject better and enhance my love for the camera.
6. Summer
Summer 2017 was one of the best summer vacations I had (mainly because I got out of bed almost every day). Also, it was the longest time I spent at home after being in MUWCI. Initially, I was bummed out to be home because I really missed my friends from school, and I didn’t know when I would see them again.
However, after spending some time with my family and meeting my friends, I remembered how good it felt to be home. I spent most of my summer searching for colleges and completing my EE (aka hell sent from the IB).
I was able to do some cool things as well such as attending an Entrepreneurship Course known as Swivelbox where I got to learn more about what it takes to be a young entrepreneur and being equipped with the necessary skills to start my own business.
Towards the end of the summer holiday, I went on vacation with my family to the Coast! (photos can be found in photo gallery section) This was a time to unwind and relax before going back to India and beginning a stressful third term.
7. Theater Season
Theater Season was my biggest step out of my comfort zone this year! Previously, I would never have considered acting in any sort of production because of my stage fright. However, I decided to take the chance and audition for a play.
The auditions were great and I got cast in an amazing production that involved body theater and voice narration. We had a small cast which meant that we had to practice for long hours in order to perfect our movements and voice narration.
On the day of the show, butterflies filled my stomach as I took the stage. The thought of many people terrified me however I did not let my fear get the best of me. Our performance was phenomenal that we were requested to perform for the UWC Board during their visit to our college.
This was a learning experience for me and I plan on participating in more productions in the future!
8. This Blog!
Creating this blog had been a dream of mine. I am so glad I got to start it and share my experiences with anyone who decides to read any of my posts. Through this blog, I have been able to express myself without filter and enjoy writing and reading the posts I write.
This blog enhanced my love for writing and made me discover a new passion. I am very grateful to anyone who has helped me through this journey and continues to support me.
I hope that 2018 is more fruitful than 2017 and will help me grow more and discover my true passions and interests. I hope that is the same for you as well.
I hope you have a good year!
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Adala