Student Profile - Danielle

DANIELLE

My name is Danielle Leah Weiss. I was born in New York but have lived my entire life in Jerusalem, Israel. About two and a half years ago, a nice lady visited my chemistry class and told us about a wonderful program named United World Colleges. Half a year later, after countless exams and thanks to the support of the Eyal & Marilyn Ofer Family Foundation (one of the most generous Israeli families in the world), I was ready to start my two-year journey at UWC Atlantic.

Leaving my family behind was not easy, but the amazing people at college helped me adjust to the new environment and soon I started to enjoy all the diverse activities UWC Atlantic has to offer. I joined council meetings, woke up at 6.30am to go running in the woods, helped break a Guinness World Record (the hug with the most nationalities) and studied Global Politics with people from all around the world. All of those taught me to see the world from a richer perspective.

My favourite aspect of being in the college was how students run everything. Before coming to Wales, I volunteered as a first aid responder in the national ambulance service and took a part of a few IsraeliPalestinian peace programs. Those were great but they were always run by adults. At UWC Atlantic, a group of seven teenagers (the picture of most of us is below - I am the second from the right) was able to plan and execute a two-day conference that allowed students and staff to explore the culture, conflicts and food of the Middle East and North Africa. This conference not only provided me with soft skills such as time management and work ethic, it also allowed me to learn about different views and opinions on the situation back home. In addition, the college gave me the chance to contribute to the new change maker unit and improve the IB for the next generations, which taught me we can always strive for a better future. After leaving the college and travelling for a while with my close friends, I returned home to Jerusalem. However, I am not the same person I was on August 18th two years ago. I care more about the world around me and look for ways to change the way I and how my family lives. One of those changes is becoming almost completely vegetarian as a way to reduce climate change and my CO2 emission (I still can’t resist grandma’s food but I am trying my best!). In a month, I will enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces for three years. Afterwards, I hope to accomplish my childhood dream of going to medical school.

Danielle Leah Weiss (CENTRE).