From UWC Maastricht to UWC International: Miranda’s Path of Impact

December 12, 2024

Please introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

I’m Miranda from Norway, and I attended UWC Maastricht from 2016 to 2018. I have so many amazing memories from UWCM and I met some of the best people I know. In terms of my involvement at the school, I remember being a part of the YES Conference (Youth Environmental Sustainability) planning team, outside of academics. I was active in various CAS activities, but YES Conference stands out as my biggest commitment across both years in Maastricht. It was so fun to engage with likeminded peers and really fulfilling to plan something like that from start to finish!

What is your favourite UWC memory? What comes to mind when you think of UWC Maastricht?

There are so many special memories. If I had to choose one, it would be a winter day during my first year when a few girls and I from the top floor of the King Willem building biked together to Lumiere cinema to watch La La Land. We loved the film! Afterwards, we cycled through town, surrounded by Christmas lights, and it began to snow. It was such a warm, joyful moment of friendship and togetherness that I’ll always remember. I also think often about all the opportunities outside of academics that we were given—the conferences like the YES Conference, Peace Conference, or TOK Conference. It was so empowering to participate in and organize events where students could learn from each other and grow together. Those experiences were really the highlights of my time in Maastricht.

What have you been up to since graduation? University, work, projects, travels, personal stuff?

Since graduating in 2018, I studied social anthropology and sociology at the University of Manchester in the UK. It was a very different educational experience—a more hands-off approach that helped me figure out my focus and motivation. Then COVID happened, making part of my second year and all of my third year a bit less exciting. After my bachelor’s, I initially planned to stay in Manchester, but I ended up moving to Barcelona on a whim instead to work on my Spanish and figure out my next steps. I loved it there; it was a completely different lifestyle from Manchester. Afterward, I returned to the UK for my master’s in international development at LSE in London, finishing in 2023. Then, in the autumn of 2023, I started working at UWC International in London. I still live in London now, and while it can be challenging because the city is so big, I love how international it is, fact that there’s always something going on and new areas to explore.

Tell us more about your work at UWC International. How did it start, and what do you do there?

It’s not a exactly a super exciting story… It started the way a lot of jobs start, I found the job on LinkedIn and applied! I wasn’t specifically looking for a job with UWC, but rather with an international organization based in London that would have a positive social impact. Before I applied, I didn’t know much about UWC International, but the role sounded interesting, and I was excited to reconnect with the movement that had given me so much. I work in the Programmes team, where I focus on capacity-building for the National Committees (NCs). In short, I help support NCs with fundraising strategies, communications, and selections, acting as a link between them to strengthen and unify their practices while respecting their unique needs and contexts.

Why did you decide to return to the movement and give back?

The UWC movement has been around me constantly since my own time at UWC Maastricht—my two younger sisters also went to UWC, so it’s always been part of our family life and conversations. I’d always wanted to volunteer with my National Committee in Norway, but they usually needed people based in Norway, so it didn’t work out. Now, working for UWC International is my way of being reconnected with the movement. It would feel a bit strange for me to say I am “giving back” when I’m being paid to work for UWC, unlike the many volunteers supporting NCs daily.

Now that you’ve worked at UWC International for about a year, could you explain what exactly the UWC IO does?

Even working at the international office it is a bit difficult to succinctly explain! The UWC IO functions as the executive arm of the movement. The schools and National Committees all operate independently, and the IO provides strategic guidance and direction for the movement overall. They’re not there to enforce rules or make binding decisions that override schools. The International Council is made up of representatives from each UWC school and college, so it’s really the schools that come together to make decisions. The IO then supports the implementation. The office is made up of various teams all leading their areas in collaboration with schools and colleges, NCs and other UWC stakeholders. It’s a bit complex, but if you want to learn more, I’d suggest checking out the UWC website.

How do you see the UWC movement now, considering your student and staff experiences?

I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for just how many people are involved in ensuring students receive a UWC education. It’s not just teachers in classrooms or the schools themselves; there’s a huge network, including National Committees, the IO, independent supporters, partners and donors. Many different stakeholders work together so students, regardless of background, get to experience UWC and allow that “magic” to happen. Working at UWC has shown me how interconnected everything is within the movement. As a student, I saw UWCM as a “bubble.” Now, I see how we’re all part of a bigger whole working toward the same goal.

If other alumni want to get involved with UWC IO or the movement in general, what would be your recommendation?

There are often volunteer opportunities or jobs posted on the uwc.org website or LinkedIn, so definitely keep an eye on those channels. If you’re ever in London, stop by the office—the door is always open, and you can chat with me or anyone else there to learn more about the IO and potential ways to contribute. You can volunteer with your own NC or even with one near where you’re currently based. NCs often need reviewers or help with interviews, which can be done from anywhere in the world. And, of course, you can always give back financially. Many resources are needed to make the UWC movement run, fund scholarships, and create opportunities for students. If time is short, even €5 a month can make a difference. Or you can volunteer AND donate.