Dechen Chokey
UWC Atlantic 2019-2021
Dechen is a third-generation Tibetan refugee from the Northern Himalayas in India. Her grandparents fled from Tibet to North-Eastern India, where Dechen grew up. Sadly, Dechen lost both her parents when she was young, as a result of illnesses which could have been cured if they had had access to the right medical help. It is this tragedy that has fuelled Dechen’s desire to pursue her passion for medicine and to be able to use science to contribute to societal improvement particularly back in India, where there is a shortage of medical expertise in some of the more remote areas.
Inspired by older students at her school, who has also applied to UWC and encouraged by her 10th Grade counsellor who told her about the scholarships that were available to attend one of the 18 global schools and colleges, Dechen submitted her application. She could not have been more excited to have been selected.
Dechen says “I can’t believe I am really here, in Wales, at UWC Atlantic. It seems like a dream come true. I’m sharing a dorm with Ayako from Japan, Vanesca from Curacao and Isabella from Denmark and I am very grateful to have Francine as my amazing tutor as well. She has always been very supportive and helpful. I didn’t know what to expect and it has taken some time to get used to the weather and the food..but the education is about exploring and trying new things!
In our first week, we were introduced to all the essential subjects and activities that take place in the College and had interesting trips like a scavenger hunt in Cardiff and treasure hunt in the campus through which we got to know our way around, as the campus is very big. I have joined ‘Gateway’ as part of my CAS. It’s a club that supports physically challenged adults so I am pleased to be learning about the impact I can have through service.
It is going to take some time to get adapted completely to a different environment but I truly appreciate everything here, and I am very happy socialising with so many different students from so many different cultures. I also have been able to make my peers more aware of my culture and country by conversing with them and explaining the facts concerning Tibet.
I am immensely privileged to have the opportunity to study in such a unique environment. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Pestalozzi International Foundation and all of its supporters for their generosity in providing my scholarship.
I am looking forward to making the best out of this opportunity and to repay all my supporters with becoming the best person that I can be, and to achieve success in my chosen field of medicine.”