Briana Camacho (Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong, 2009-2011)

1. Why did you choose UWC?

I chose UWC mainly because of my life exposure in Trinidad and Tobago as we are a multicultural society, and because of how we live together I am able to deeply appreciate the empowerment  of being exposed to different perspectives, religious views, political views and also various ideas and visions for the world and how we can make a good difference by understanding each other rather than competing against each other. UWC's values are built on the same foundation.

2. How does UWC connect to your values and aspirations?

My family life is where I draw my value system from. My father and mother have always inspired me to own my education and utilize it as a solid foundation for my dreams which was to experience the world and all that it has to offer. Therefore I passionately focused on school life, both the education aspect and the social aspect, with the view to securing a scholarship in a school abroad.  But not just in any school, one that would really challenge me personally and continue to expose me to differences in people and experiences that I have not yet encountered in little Trinidad and Tobago. This is exactly how UWC connects to my values and aspirations as the mission of UWC is to connect a wide variety of people from all corners of the world and bring them together to create good attitudes towards helping each other and the world at large.

3. What is your passion inside and  out of the classroom?

I am excited by many things. I particularly enjoy music and art. Both allow me to express myself in my very own special way and I have found that it has helped my confidence level. I am very passionate about sport and outdoor activity on the whole and I also love organizing events. I really enjoy participating in fundraisers, school events and any event that incorporates school spirit.

4. Having met other  graduates, what is your impression of UWC?

At first UWC in Hong Kong seemed very far away to my mother and I. However, after having many conversations with a graduate's mother, we both felt extremely comfortable that despite UWC Hong Kong being a long distance away from my home , the structure, supervision and family like environment of UWC ensured that fear was replaced with excitement and a feeling of safety. This opportunity was not one to pass up.