India, first impressions

Namaste!

Finally, I'm here.
Just over a week ago I landed in Mumbai, and since then life's been going at 200mph.

My first impression of India when I landed? Man, it's hot.

But once I was out of the airport, and into the jeep headed to the college, the heat and humidity were the last things on my mind.
For a six hour drive in a sweaty jeep, it was a pretty amazing journey. From the insane roads of Mumbai, to the streets of small villages, from the highways through the country, to the winding hill roads, I got a brief taste of this magnificent country, of India.
And, although I was tired enough to be able to sleep anywhere, not for one moment did I dare close my eyes.
I didn't take any photographs, but here are a couple I got from a friend, of the view from the road:

And that was just part of the journey.

Even stopping on the roadside for something to eat was a great experience. No, I had no idea what any of the food actually was, but I do know it was good. Really good.

Having only seen a tiny part of Mumbai, and even that only through the window of the jeep, I can't really tell you much about it. It is however a place I can't wait to explore, and hopefully will be able to do so soon. But the drive also took us through very rural parts of Maharashtra, the other end of what is a divided society in India today. It is in these rural areas that MUWCI works closely with the community, creating interaction between the school and nearby villages, helping develop opportunities for local children.

This is something I can't wait to be a part of.

I can't really sum up in words what my first impressions of India were. But you get the idea.

Anyway, I'll be updating again soon about integration week, may first days on campus, MUD GAMES, where I am living (and my amazing roommates!)

Thanks for reading,

Maria xXx

Bye bye Lyon....

I suppose seven years isn't so long, in the context of a lifetime.

But seven years in one place is definitely long enough for it to form you, mark you and never let you forget it.

10th August 2006, I moved to Lyon, France. Since then, I've had fantastic opportunity to meet wonderful people, have so many new experiences and make lifelong friends. A beautiful city in a beautiful country, I am going to miss this place more than I ever thought I would.

(I would say this is where I really 'grew up'... but unfortunately that's not quite true...)

Yesterday I said 'au revoir' to Lyon and France, and travelled north to the UK. I love this place too, and am trying to take in as much 'Britishness' as possible before I leave here on Sunday!

Yeah, I'm really going to miss Lyon and London, the places I love. But I'm not as sad to be leaving them as I am happy to have lived there. I'm lucky enough to have had so many great memories in these places, and I'll treasure them throughout my life (and on this new adventure to India!).

Now, I'm faced with the near impossible task of packing my whole life into one suitcase (20kg limit) and my backpack. They are currently on my bed, open but completely empty. 

Wish me luck.... I'll need it!

Merci Lyon, ces sept dernières années ont été vraiment incroyable. A dans quatre mois!

Thanks for reading,
Maria xXx


(here are a couple of pictures I took of Lyon when I was out with some friends a few days ago)

Flights, Visas, and Orientation 2013

Three more weeks... and I fly! 

I can hardly believe it has been four whole months since I was told I had a place at MUWCI.

The time has gone so quickly...

Soon after I got the news, I booked my ticket, leaving London on August 18th, arriving ten hours later in Mumbai the next day. Although it's about 5 times longer than any flight I have been on before, I'll be flying with four of my co-years, so it should be pretty good.

Then... came the visa. It was three tries before my application was accepted, but finally it was, and the visa was ready for collection two days later. I won't go into details here, but to avoid any future UK students going to India having the same problems, here are some tips and tricks I picked up along the way.

In mid-July, all the new UWCGB students (class of' '15) met in Derbyshire, along with alumni, current students and members of the National Committee for an orientation weekend. 

I realise the two days were probably meant to be informative and instructive, which they were, but I think most of all it was just a lot of fun! In between discussions on hopes and fears, the code of conduct and health and well-being, we spent a lot of time doing teamwork activities, getting to know our co-years... and playing Ultimate Frisbee and Qwaar (the best games in the world, ever). It was also a great opportunity to talk with past and current students about the individual colleges, which was really helpful!

Otherwise, I've been getting stuff together, had trips to the doctor's for vaccinations, and generally trying to get prepped for August 18th!

I've had several conversations with second years and alumni, who have all been really, really helpful. I've also been in contact with a few other students attending MUWCI in August, all of whom seem great! I have a feeling it's going to be a fun two years...

Finally, a few weeks ago, my friends here in Lyon threw me a surprise leaving party, which apart from being a lot of fun, was really sweet of them! It made me realise that although I'm so, so happy to be going to MUWCI, I am going to miss this place and the people here a lot.

Sorry this post was a bit lengthy... there's been a lot to catch up on!

Thanks for reading

Maria xXx

So... why?

It has now been three weeks since I found out I am going to Mahindra College, and I'm still in  disbelief. It's all so exciting! I've been in contact with several current and future students, all from different backgrounds, and am really looking forward to meeting them in person.

However, I was surprised how many times over the past three weeks I found myself not being able to easily answer when asked...why? 

Why do I want to fly half way around the world, live away from home, aged only sixteen, to go to some school? Why India of all places? Why not just stay here and continue, just as planned?
I guess for me, it has always been obvious. I mean, sometimes I feel like replying with: why not?

The truth is, I can understand why some would think it strange- especially as it means an extra year of school for me. In this post, I hope to briefly clarify why the hell I'm going to MUWCI for the next two years!
WARNING: This could take a while...

First of all, take a look at this:

Yes, they're all off Google images. But they're so beautiful, credit to whoever's photos they are!

As you can see, it's spectacular.

But apart from these amazing surroundings, Mahindra College offers a unique opportunity to play an active role in the local community, work in biodiversity and conservation, participate in debates, MUN, discussions of global issues and numerous other activities including sports, theatre, camping, fire service, travel weekends and the infamous project weeks.
Of course, this information is only what I've found on websites and talking to current students. And so far, the list of opportunities is far too long to write in full!

Perhaps most importantly of all, attending Mahindra means being part of the UWC movement as a whole.
The UWC movement's mission statement is: to use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It promotes intercultural understanding and the development of genuine concern for others, founded on shared life experiences. Community interaction is placed at the heart of college life, and Mahindra UWC of India was founded in order to encourage an exchange between UWC students and nearby villages, to help increase prosperity and improve opportunities for local children.

And that in itself is something I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of.
In just three weeks, I have been in contact with some amazing young people from every corner of the globe- and this is just a taster.

If I was to go into any more detail about why I'm going to India, I'd be writing for days. But hopefully I've been able to explain a little further.

Sorry for the (very) long post,
Thanks for reading! If you've made it this far...

Maria xXx

India?! Yes, please!

Did I know, this time last week, that my life would be changed forever within a matter of hours?
Had I realised just how much of a change it would be?
Had I preconceived just how great it would feel?

No. Not at all.

Last week, I received an email informing me that I had been nominated for a place at the Mahindra United World College, in India!
Was I happy to hear it? Yes. And somewhat overexcited. But anyway.

Hey there!

I'm Maria, I'm sixteen, from South-East England originally, but currently living in Lyon, France. In October I began the process of applying to UWC, after finding out about the movement and wanting to be a part of it ever since. This dream was confirmed after attending the open day at Atlantic College, and learning more about it. Then, the interview weekend in February was one of the best experiences of my life- I met so many incredible people, and got a taster of just how incredible the opportunity of a life at UWC would be.

I feel so honoured and so lucky to have been given such an opportunity, especially as MUWCI was the college I was offered a place at. Although I've never been anywhere near India before, I have a feeling that it's somewhere I could definitely get used to!

Anyway,  I'm off to Mahindra in August, and hopefully will try and keep you updated via this blog.

So until next time!

Maria xXx