“Rappelle toi d'ou tu viens et tu sauras ou aller.”
The quote was from an 18-year-old girl who had received an offer from her dream university. During a conversation that we were meant to guide, we were pleasantly surprised by her level of inclusiveness and insight, considering that her worldview was still in the process of development at such a young age.
In essence, she displayed a maturity that surpassed many in her age group.
Maturity in an individual is defined by both their thoughts and, crucially, their actions. Célia's robust execution, comprehension, and communication abilities have instilled confidence in the Sixth Form teachers regarding the outcome of her university applications.
Célia embodies the concept of a global citizen. Her life and thought process since childhood exemplify the essence of diversity. Having lived in numerous cities and learned alongside pupils of various nationalities, she has gained a profound understanding of different cultural backgrounds.
These experiences have provided Célia with innumerable opportunities for observation and contemplation. Her extensive travel history serves as both a testament to her growth and a distinctive signature of her journey.
In the conversation, we found that her admission was not a matter of chance but a simple mutual pursuit.
The diversity that Célia embodies resonates with the varied landscape of Europe. This alignment has facilitated her acceptance into the joint programme offered by Bocconi University and HEC Paris. For Célia, this feels akin to finding a global stage to illuminate her aspirations and strategies, which has also provided her with a sense of anticipation as she prepares to embark on her university journey.
"Bocconi University is situated in Milan, Italy, and HEC Paris (Hautes Études Commerciales) is France's most renowned business school and one of the most prestigious in the world. Both institutions are in Europe—the region where I aspire to reside."
"Bocconi is ranked 7th in the QS rankings, and HEC Paris, 9th. This dual degree in International Politics and Social Data combines the two fields that I have always been interested in, as well as exchange programmes and internship opportunities."
Her Sixth Form teachers think of her as an individual with formidable self-discipline and meticulous planning. Remarkably, even with five offers to her name, she does not slacken her efforts, driven by her desire to prepare for college courses ahead of time and to enhance her learning capabilities.
Célia's chosen major is International Politics and Government Studies, yet she has not confined her aspirations to a specific academic trajectory or career path, reflective of her approach to selecting universities. She said that she wants to think about ways to bring meaningful change in the world and address fundamental issues through policy and broader strategic perspectives.
In Célia's journey of growth, the role of a leader at the school has been instrumental in her development, propelling her to become a pivotal member of the pupil council at Wellington College Hangzhou. It has also inspired her to delve into her professional interests and extracurricular pursuits, enriching them in a more expansive domain.
While uncertainty over the worth of participation in school events arises as others are engaged in more competitive contests or interdisciplinary and cross-regional activities, how Célia conducts herself at the school might shed some light on that.
Célia, along with her team, took the initiative to organise the inaugural TEDx Youth event at Wellington College Hangzhou, which successfully attracted over 6,000 online viewers. With 'Our Greatest Tool' as the theme, Célia and her team invited five distinguished guest speakers from diverse sectors within the Wellington community to share their perspectives on the theme.
“I have a passion for sharing. Since joining Wellington, I have been developing my own interests and I wanted to discover other people’s ideas and share them with the school community. TED is world-renowned for offering this platform, so I started investigating ways for the school to become a licensed host and the event was launched.”
As the Head of College, Célia is a beacon of leadership potential.
“We encountered some difficulties along the way with customising logos, meeting committee members, and registering potential speakers. Fortunately, we worked as a team and were all able to cope with these obstacles by using problem-solving, delegation and time management skills.”
Célia's involvement also extended to the Race4Good competition, a well-regarded pupil leadership programme designed to address critical needs within the local community. This includes such areas as design and infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports and wellbeing, psychological support, and cultural development. Célia and her team devised a highly competitive proposal aimed at enhancing the living standards of a family, all within a budget of 150 pounds.
Célia's endeavours are multifaceted, and each school project she has engaged in has contributed to her personal journey, imbuing her with unique qualities and insights. These experiences have cultivated her into a more robust leader, characterised by increased empathy and a fervent desire to discover and share the beauty in life.
Q
How do you believe the multicultural environment at WCCH has influenced your personal growth and your perspective on global issues?
A
Interacting with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds has broadened my horizons significantly. By engaging with different customs, traditions, and viewpoints, I have learned to appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience. This exposure has taught me the importance of understanding and keeping an open mind, essential skills for seeing things from perspectives other than my own.
Regarding global issues, experiencing a multicultural environment has been eye-opening. It’s easy to fall into a narrow perspective when you’re only familiar with your own culture. However, my exposure to a variety of viewpoints has given me a more nuanced understanding of complex social, political, and economic issues worldwide. It has emphasized the interconnectedness of our world, illustrating how events in one region can have far-reaching impacts on others. This realization has deepened my appreciation for the importance of global cooperation and mutual understanding.
Q
As part of WCCH's first graduating class, what message would you like to leave for current and future pupils at our campus?
A
It’s okay not to know what you want to do, or where you want to go (in all aspects of life), the important part, is to follow your true self and not let yourself be swayed by the opinions of others.
Q
What kind of person do you want to be in the future and what’s your favourite job?
A
When it comes to my future aspirations and career, I don't have a specific role or title in mind. What truly matters to me is engaging in work that inspires me and drives continuous personal and professional growth. I believe that as long as I am passionate about what I'm doing and it challenges me to improve, I will find fulfilment regardless of the exact career path.
However, as I am pursuing a course in diplomacy, I am particularly intrigued by the prospect of an international career. The field of diplomacy aligns well with my interest in cultural exchange, global cooperation, and conflict resolution. Working within the international arena would allow me to apply what I have learned about understanding diverse perspectives, negotiating differences, and fostering mutual respect among people from various backgrounds.
Ultimately, I aim to be a person who is adaptable, empathetic, and committed to lifelong learning. I hope to make a positive impact in whatever field I choose to pursue, whether it is within the sphere of international diplomacy or another area that equally challenges and inspires me.
Célia is an extroverted and cheerful individual with a sense of humour. She has a profound inner emotional life and is quick to learn from her setbacks. Célia is compassionate, showing care for others and a particular concern for the vulnerable. She doesn't overburden herself with excessive pressure but instead moves forward with a steady and strong pace. Pure in heart and open-minded, she treats offers, honours, and recognition as pleasant surprises, never boasting about the hard work she puts in behind the scenes. In our brief conversation, she didn't focus on her own strengths and achievements; instead, she shared her experiences of personal growth from a naive newcomer to the exemplary leader she has become.
Célia's worldview has been shaped by her experiences across the globe. Following her journey, one can discover bright moments, vibrant emotions, and rich imaginations that reflect her persistence and foresight in both her words and actions.
As a global citizen, Célia is set to continue marking new territories on the map of her life's journey as she pursues and realises her aspirations and ideals.
