International Students and Scholars - Lewis & Clark

Davis United World College Scholar
Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific (Canada)

I was born in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. I spent 7 years getting my primary education in my home town. I always wanted to go to a boarding school and so I nagged my parents to send me to one for 8^th grade. It was a decision I lived to regret for the first few months of boarding school.  I was disillusioned as things at the school didn’t turn out as I had expected. I was back and forth between boarding schools till I completed high school. I really didn’t like it at first but I look back now and really appreciate the experience because it helped me to grow. It was a stepping stone towards learning how to stand on my own two feet and the experience taught me how to adapt to new and seemingly difficult environments.   It also showed me how to live with people from different backgrounds. It gave me a taste of independence which I have since learned to treasure.

I learned about the United World College (UWC) program from a friend who had studied at a UWC. I applied through the Zambian UWC national committee and was fortunately awarded a scholarship to study at Lester B. Pearson UWC in Canada. Attending Pearson was an extraordinary experience for me because it allowed me numerous opportunities to try out new things, meet wonderful people, and capture some of my life’s best moments.

I chose Lewis & Clark College because it offers me a diverse and multicultural learning environment similar to Pearson College but offers more while following values similar to those of the UWC. I figured that attending L&C would allow me to pursue social and academic goals of my particular interests, the disciplines of the institution would enable me to learn and challenge myself without being intimidated by the challenges found in large lecture groups.

I intend to use my time at Lewis & Clark as a step towards reaching my desired academic and social heights and enjoying the experience as a whole. Eventually I hope to use what I learn to provide opportunities for others and give back to the community.