Our Rossallians have had an absolute blast this summer from Summer School trips to Harry Potter Studios, to returning home and spending time with family and friends across the globe. Wherever you were in the world, and whoever you shared your time with, everyone at Rossall hopes you had a memorable summer making lots of memories.
We were lucky enough to hear from Nina, who’s heading into Year 13 soon! Here is her wonderful Summer Reflection.
“Hello everyone!
My name is Nina, I am from Poland and I will be entering Year 13 at Rossall this year to continue my IB Diploma Programme journey.
This summer has been the busiest I’ve ever experienced as a student.
Last spring, when applying for a summer seminar in the small town of Sitka I never expected to be granted an opportunity of exploring this corner of Alaska myself. Therefore, considering that the application process was rigorous and lengthy and that I was lucky to be provided with the support of my teachers, especially when providing me with the required letter of recommendation (thank you, Mr Crombie) my excitement when I received a positive response was huge.
As I am writing this, the summer seminar in Alaska has already concluded, and I have begun my next journey at the New York Times Summer Academy Programme, undertaking a course on “Introduction to the UN and Human Rights.” Now, I have decided to reflect on the first half of this summer vacation in anticipation of what is ahead of me.
The seminar in Alaska was a dynamic and enriching experience. With three hours of community service four times a week, I challenged my biases about local initiatives and explored the concept of a truly engaged community. As one of the authors we tackled in class, Gert Biesta has said regarding community ‘’the language of the latter community is the language of responsibility.’’ It was fascinating to see a town of just 8,300 residents actively working to make a difference for their neighbours. Collaborating with organisations such as the Native Language Preservation Society, Homeless Coalition, Trail Building Organization, and a Food Co-op distribution spot, I connected with locals and discovered their definition of ‘living in a community’ as we would at times, later eagerly discuss in class. I also had the chance to learn about the challenges posed by cruise ship tourism, with some ships exceeding the town’s population on a daily basis.”
During the seminar, I took two modules: “Indigenous Studies,” focusing on the local Indigenous communities and their language, Tlingit, and “Building the Other Worlds,” discussing the role of education through sociological and philosophical lenses. These courses challenged my academic barriers and encouraged me to critique some of the academic readings discussed and try various writing styles. One particular reading caused so much frustration and curiosity that I now spend my evenings revisiting it, preparing questions to ask the author in order to email her as soon as I am back home.
I couldn’t have experienced all of that without the support of my teachers at Rossall, who allowed me to leave early and provided me with recommendation letters, and the professors in Alaska, who offered valuable feedback during office hours. This support culminated in a portfolio of my written works, including responses to Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” a theatrical monologue quoting “The Handmaid’s Tale”, and reflections on my previous school year, filled with numerous travels around Europe in order to participate European Youth Parliament Sessions as an international delegate.
Although the last day in Alaska ended with tears, as the 21 students from around the world had grown close together over the four weeks, I was grateful for the experience and eager for my next adventure. I look forward to returning to Sitka, possibly as staff one day, to explore Alaska’s wonders again.
Currently, in New York City, I have visited the United Nations Headquarters and the New York Times Building. Now, I am working on my final project which will tackle the idea of discrimination through Southeast Asian cuisine and its perception in New York City and will be a filmed documentary. I am learning a lot about capturing people’s attention during interviews and enhancing my investigative and research skills.
After this course, I will head back to Poland to finalise preparations for the European Youth Parliament Session in Warsaw this August. As an organiser, I will help bring together around 150 delegates from across Europe to discuss pressing issues through debates and presentations, culminating in a General Assembly at the Warsaw National School of Economics.
This summer remains one of the most exciting and busy ones I’ve ever experienced, and I am enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities awaiting me in my final year at the Rosall Sixth Form.”
We can’t wait to welcome you all back through the archway, and we can’t wait to hear all about your Summer. Floreat Rossallia!
