'College in India opened my eyes' (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

'College in India opened my eyes'

7:30am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Local By William Tomaney

A TEENAGER from Hartlebury has graduated from a college in India after completing her two-year study there.

Rebecca Howarth, 18, who attended the former Burlish Park First and Middle Schools in Stourport, studied the equivalent of A-level English, economics and Spanish, AS German, maths and biology, as well as art and Hindi at the Mahinda’s United World Colleges (UWC).

She now plans to volunteer in Russia for eight months at a day centre for mentally challenged young people and will apply to study politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University.

She said: “I look back on my time at UWC with huge affection and even greater gratitude.

Undoubtedly my time at UWC has had a profound effect on shaping my desire to work in the public service.

“As a career, I wish to work in a field that deals with resource distribution, perhaps through humanitarian aid.”

Ms Howarth said she had heard about UWC after her uncle was involved in the scheme “Highlights of my two years at UWC include having discussions with my peers about global issues, for instance, different educational systems and military service,” she added.

“Also, living 24/7 with other inspired peers from different countries, religious and economic backgrounds.”

She said she created a group which volunteered twice a week at an organic farm in a neighbouring valley, helping with and initiating various projects to help efficient farming.

“We were not spoon-fed opportunities. Instead, it was very much the case of we get out what we put in and this ethos, I think, will stay with me throughout my life,” she added.

She said UWC also had colleges in Wales, Canada, USA, Italy, Norway, Swaziland, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Netherlands and Venezuela.

For more information, visit uwc.org.uk