Living the UWC values: an alumna’s story

December 11, 2025

an alumna

Laura (Class of 2021) looks back on her time at UWC Maastricht as a period that shaped not only her academic path but also the way she approaches the world. From surviving the challenges of the IB to embracing community-driven projects, she reflects on the lessons that continue to guide her today. Now studying Neurobiology at ETH Zürich and actively involved in the non-profit Foundation Connect5, she shares how the UWC values of collaboration and social impact have stayed with her and how they inspire her work to bring people together and create meaningful change.

 

Hi everyone! I’m Laura, UWCM Class of 2021 (wow, 5 years ago already!!). I attended my final 2 years of high school at UWCM, completing the IB diploma. Like you, I have no doubt that since your graduation, you have encountered fellow UWC’ers and IB’ers. And on that note, I am quite confident that you had an immediate bond with a single shared phrase – “you also survived the IB!!”

The IB definitely taught me resilience and it also provided the opportunity for me to develop a work ethic that has been very helpful and integral to studying Neurobiology at ETH Zürich. So when I look back at my time at UWC Maastricht, these learning experiences stay with me. In a broader sense, the UWC experience also cultivated a mindset to be an intentional and involved member of my community, where I aim to work not just hard, but hard towards a common good.

At UWCM, we had various experiences within YSE, TOK, CAS, you name it, that all pushed us to become more holistic, and think of how we can have an impact in our world. You may agree with me that at that moment – amidst studies, friendships and hobbies – these activities may have seemed less relevant. Yet, this dedication to social impact stays with me today, encouraging me to engage in activities with missions aimed to socially improve society.

UWCM set the tone for my involvement in non-profit initiatives. I wanted to learn and grow as a person, while simultaneously giving back! And so I pursued such opportunities. Within my Bachelor’s, at Amsterdam University College, I was Team Lead of 180 Degrees Consulting, the world’s largest student-led social impact consultancy firm. This was such an incredible opportunity, getting to work with nonprofit organizations, helping them on the client mission. I was also involved in TEDxAUCollege, giving a stage to people with various backgrounds sharing their experience with an engaged audience.

At ETH Zürich, I work within research projects and institutes that aim to improve the health of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, I am currently working on a project that looks at therapies for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. All these experiences have contributed to my desire to engage in a big project – working for the Foundation Connect5, a non-profit organisation based in Meerssen, near Maastricht. Here, we aim to bring people together from different backgrounds, ages, and interests and align them to not work for a common physical goal but to shape out-of-the-box mindsets in each and every involved member. Personally, I get so much energy from seeing people come together being bold and daring and bringing their ideas to life whether this be an event, workshop, social media posting, cooking, art, yoga… anything is possible

This September, I started my Master’s at ETH Zürich in Biology, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, focusing on Neuroscience. What I love about this Master’s is that it centres primarily on practical research internships, teaching me many practical and hands-on skills, where we learn by doing, rather than only studying. Furthermore, as I just introduced, I am involved in the Foundation Connect5, being part of its executive board. What this means is that I work with fellow young students and professionals and give input from a young perspective on events being organised by the Foundation, such as last year’s collaboration with Delta Airlines.

We also get the chance to plan our own events! For example, a month ago in November, we had the honour of organising an “In The Spotlight” event where we converse in an informal setting with guests we invite; an integral part to this event is to create the opportunity for the audience to ask questions during and after the event. Professor Dr. Guido Rasi, former Director of the European Medicines Agency, was invited and shared his knowledge as manager of the European regulatory body and his experience in heading the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Europe.

Right now, I am mostly focused on my research project on Parkinson’s disease, where we investigate the role of microRNAs in the onset (but also in therapeutic interventions) of Parkinson. Within Foundation Connect5, one project I am working closely on is setting up an Entrepreneurship Club open to the entire region of Limburg! Definitely feel free to reach out to me if you want to know/have questions on these two projects :).

Oof! That’s a good question. Honestly, if you haven’t found your path, then… GOOD! This means you are still exploring, trying new things, learning new skills. I think there is nothing more important than daring to step out of your comfort zone and widen your horizons. If anything, if you have found your path or believe you have done so, challenge yourself to question it… We live in a world where straight paths no longer exist, it is all about being interdisciplinary, combining skill sets and expertise.

I would also say that from what I have learned in my academics and extracurriculars, it is not about finding the right path, but the right people! Explore opportunities where people want to take you under their wing, and teach you the valuable lessons that enable you to excel. Groups of people that care about collaboration, helping each other out, and sharing knowledge – rather than working only for themselves and independently from their colleagues – is so so important and will guide you to tasks that in the end, shape your unique and exciting path!