First Years

Dear all

I am writing to you with the good news that, following a teleconference with Executive Committee members today, I have been unconditionally authorised to enrol a fifth generation. It is envisaged right now that the generation will be a small one, but if funds materialise later,  we can enlarge the numbers.

But the important thing is that we have continuity and the college remains intact.

Clearly there is much work ahead and long term stability and reform must now be the next goals . But sometimes small steps can be all that is needed and we got one today.

Many thanks to all students and staff for their solidarity, proving once again that we have a strong sense of family preservation!

Another important decision was also made today. This was the confirmation of Valentina Mindolevic as the next Headteacher of UWCiM, effective from 1 July. I wish her every success and know she will do a great job in the challenging time ahead.

Best regards.

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The fear of not having first years is one of the worst that a student of UWC can experience.  It threatens the very process of growing up and becoming responsible, it represents a discontinuation of the school, of the ideals, of the goals, dreams, and projects that we work for as students.  When we heard the news that we would be receiving first years, everybody was running around Musala hugging and congratulating others, people were smiling, laughing, yelling.  I ran up to  our room and swept Shaked up into a huge hug, we were just laughing and yelling for several minutes, not willing to let go.  The fever has caught and spread throughout the school, it is a contagious disease, the planning and dreams for the new individuals who will one day look up at the impressive stripped facade of this gymnasia and know in their hearts that it will become a home for the next two years, and the foundation of their identities for the entirety of their lives.  

To future first years:

Any first years who might be reading this, sometime soon or in the future.  YOU are the future of our school.  I feel a very big responsibility to introduce you, and mentor you, and most of all challenge you to grow.  We all cannot wait to meet you, you mean the world to us.

Take advantage of every moment this summer.  Live life to the fullest.  Do the things that you enjoy the most.  Spend quality time with you family, and your closest friends.  Leave time to be spontaneous.  Live in the moment, the future will come.  The meaning of life is the journey in search of the meaning - so never stop looking.  The only battle that you lose is the one that you stop fighting for.  Try to find your balance in life, and I wish you peace, love, and harmony.  Although you will never always have these things be joyful throughout your trials in life, because through them you will grow the most, and find the strength within yourself to carry on.  All you need to do is stand up one more time than you fall down :)  

We send you love from your new family in Mostar.  Let the adventures continue.