Visage – Winter 2021

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EYLA SCHOLARSfrom Bedford toLancing Collegea scholar’s journeyClaire Mukuru joined MKYLA in 2018 with a dream to attend boardingschool. Claire has just joined Lancing College, a historic schoolcampus based on the South Downs, West Sussex; we caught up withClaire to find out about her first few days living the dream.Claire Mukuru (and her mum)How was the drive/journey to school?The drive to school took place on Wednesday1st September and felt a lot like a seriesfinale. As a family we had been anticipatingthis day for months and suddenly ithad arrived. I was really looking forward toarriving at Lancing, meeting all the othernew people but at the same time, I knew Iwould miss home. The journey was smoothbut I was fidgety; it was as if I didn’t quiteknow what to do with myself.I felt selfish, leaving my family for thisamazing opportunity but I knew that wasjust my nerves getting the better of mesince it was all for the best. However Ikept thinking about all the otherscholars and how they were feelingas we all went separate ways.Was it sad to say goodbye?Saying goodbye was a little bit sadbut more so when I got round tomy younger brother.I knew he would feel my absencethe most, I had always made it a duty toplay with him or talk to him when he wasbored and he didn’t come for the journeyto drop me off to school; he was the firstgoodbye. Upon arriving at Lancing I felthollow as I watched the car drive awaywithout me. I never thought I’d see thisday arrive – I was excited yet numb asI watched them leave. I know I have asupport system at school and in the house– but it was a tough day!Describe the first night?The first night wasn’t great. I was alonebecause my roommate hadn’t arrived, Icouldn’t get my thoughts to slow down. Iwas restless all night and didn’t get muchsleep; I hated the unfamiliarity even after allthe preparations and visits – it was strange.First school day?The first school day was Friday 3rd September11.00am to 3:35pm. I couldn’t help butfeel jealous of all the younger school yearsdue to start on the following Monday but Igot through it. Before I could catch myself4
WINTER 2021I had already made friends, I love meetingnew people and new teachers and I amproud to say I didn’t get lost too much!Food?The food – I will quickly grow accustomed toall of the new flavours. We have three mealseach day other than non-chapel Sundays.On a normal Sunday we have brunch andsupper. The menu for lunches and supperis different every day with a salad bar anddessert always available. It’s usually acooked breakfast with hot drinks and/orfruit but some days they have pastries.First impressions?My first impression was based on thegrounds of the school. It’s breath-takingand medieval looking with acres of landall around. The grounds and space are ahuge bonus when we are moving aroundbetween lessons, low congestion definitelyreduces stress. The people are friendlyand kind, especially in my house. Friendshipsare formed quicker even when not inyour own year. Obviously not everyone isfriendly but that’s just life.First surprises?My first surprise was how open peoplewere to share their school advice and experiencesto help me and all the new peopleout. It was like a second rule book from thestudent perspective which was so helpful.Comparison between new school/homeand previous?Lancing College is very different from myprevious school. The grounds are a lotbigger. It used to take me a minute to getto my next lesson, here it takes anywherefrom three to seven minutes to movebetween lessons – that was something Ineeded to adjust to.My timetable is also very different, mylessons are now 35 minutes, not 55 minutesas I was accustomed to. Settings are muchmore accurate and the range of peopleyou meet here is extraordinary, my peersare from countries around the world asopposed to local.The boarding life is polar opposite tohome life. For instance, at home I did notneed to label my belongings but by contrast,in boarding school I label everything!It is harder to get time alone, I share with aroommate and 70 other girls in the house– it is always busy; learning names and allof the basic things about those I live withis a challenge, but a pleasant one. The rulesdon’t allow much flexibility – I’m eitherthere or I am late and will get a punishmentfor being late. It was a challenge toadapt but easier than I first thought. Housefriendships are key; they are with youalmost all the time and it’s very helpful tohave them onside.Anything else?I would say don’t ever be afraid of anythingas it will only hold you back. If I hadseen all of the challenges as an obstacle, Iwouldn’t be where I am right now which I’meternally grateful for. I wouldn’t have metthe people I now know – sometimes fear isgood but when it stops you achieving greatthings it becomes a hindrance. Throw yourselfin – I have and I am looking forward togrowing into a new and improved versionof myself.II It was a challengeto adapt but easierthan I first thought.House friendshipsare key; they arewith you almost allthe time and it’svery helpful to havethem onside.5
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