In an era where international education is becoming increasingly crucial, our students’ stories offer a unique glimpse into how institutions like H-FARM International School are shaping the next generation of global citizens.
Anastasiia has embarked on a transformative, enriching, and exciting journey of personal growth and cultural discovery to become a global citizen. However, when she left her home country, Ukraine, she never imagined how much this step would transform her.
The transition was both exciting and challenging, but her first impressions were marked by positive emotions, warmth, and kindness. She was welcomed by smiling faces, welcoming boarding parents, and peers eager to engage with her, making her feel instantly at home.
“Everything is green and huge, and then I see boarding parents and people, and they’re very sweet, they’re smiling at me, and they all want to talk to me and say hi to me. I was really happy with that.”
Despite the excitement, we can easily imagine how leaving her family and hometown behind isn’t without its challenges. Every day brings moments of homesickness and small hurdles that require courage and determination to overcome. In order to alleviate the weight of separation on this journey of personal growth, certain special objects become precious anchors, invisible bridges that connect the present with the past, the new life with the one left behind.
For Anastasiia, these objects are those kept in a box: a camera, an extension of her gaze on the world, which she uses to capture smiles and memories that will last forever; a necklace, a gift from a special person, so she can feel that person close even when distance makes itself felt.
There is also her passport and a small pin featuring the Ukrainian flag, tangible symbols of her roots, a continuous link with the land where her family still lives.The passport, in particular, also represents her passion for travel, the tool that allows her to discover new cultures and places, feeding her thirst for adventure.
Another special item is, for example, a souvenir from Japan, a reminder of a trip she had dreamed of for a long time. For Anastasiia, that trip was not only a destination reached, but a demonstration of her ability to turn dreams into reality.
Finally, the headphones, inseparable companions of a true music lover, who finds in every melody a refuge and a source of energy. While the yellow Converse sneakers reflect her vibrant personality, showcasing her desire to stand out and face the world with her unique spirit.
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These objects, seemingly ordinary, together form a mosaic of memories, dreams, and aspirations. They are the common thread between who she was and who she is becoming, valuable companions on her journey of growth far from home.
But speaking of companions…
H-FARM is known for its international environment. Do you think this has helped in creating friendships with students from other countries and adapting to campus life?
“Meeting other international students was really helpful for social life. I made friendships with girls from Malta, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine, and they really bring their culture into the conversation, and that’s impressive.”
What do you like to do in your free time? Is there any extracurricular activity that particularly excites you?
“When you’re a DP2, you don’t have that much free time, but still, we are now able to do a lot of sports. For example, I’m doing Pilates.
We also have a lot of clubs. My favorite was the Sailing Club. I did it with my business teacher, and we went on the boat three times and slept there. It was very impressive because I had never been sailing before, and we created relationships outside of the school. That was really cool.”
Anastasiia’s journey took an unexpected turn during her first DP year. Initially attracted by the innovative and entrepreneurial approach of the school, which allows students to explore how startups work while encouraging them to create their own, she discovered her true passion for psychology through opportunities to interact with children.
“They gave us a lot of opportunities to talk and work with the children, and on that occasion, I really understood that I want to help them.”
Do you think the experience at H-FARM is helping you prepare better for future challenges?
H-FARM is really helping with careers and universities. We have people who can help us take care of our future, and almost everything here is focused on our future.
Anastasiia’s Advice
“Don’t be nervous that you won’t find friends or connections with teachers or boarding parents. Don’t be nervous that they will put a lot of pressure on you just because of who you are. It will always be about taking care of you.”
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