Mali

Where are you these days?
This year I’m at a sports boarding school called Agerskov Ungdomsskole. Here I can focus on a multitude of sports at once, I mostly focus on swimming, dance and gymnastics.

What was it like to make the transition from ISB into a new environment?
The transition was definitely a journey as I already have had plenty of ups and downs. With constant changes such as a new language in school, new classes, teachers and most of all new friends there is a lot to take in. Though I have held my head high and can now say that it is one of the best decisions I could have made. With my focus redirected from school work to my social dynamics I have until now mostly only smiled. I think it is really good for me to “take a year off” with all the school stress. Though, I probably still think of my ISB class more than I should. I definitely still miss them and probably will long into the future.

What part of the transition have you found the most challenging?
Personally I have found it very challenging to leave my old class in a more permanent way. I can now see that it was the best class I could have ever wished for and for that I am very thankful. Although, now that I had to start from scratch and make fully new friends it was a little hard to find the good ones like I had at ISB.

What did you carry with you from ISB that’s been the most valuable?
I think that the ISB gave me some amazing work ethics, these have really helped me here as I am able to do my school work without stressing at all. It gives me the opportunity to look towards myself and my friends more (instead of always doing school work) and so I have already now made some really good friends. I must say that although the multitasking classes at ISB were hard, it definitely paid off.

What do you miss the most?
My class, the teachers and oddly enough also the salad bar at lunch! That was some good salad options!

Now that you’ve been out in the “real” world for a while, how has your view of ISB changed?
I think that when you are a student at ISB you think that it is only about the good grades and getting that diploma but I can now see that I should have focused even more on my amazing class because missing them now definitely would have been easier if I just hadn’t studied at the library every day!

How has your thinking about your own future changed since this time last year?
Last year I thought that I would go to Efterskole and then a Danish gymnasium. Now the plan is to return to the international system at KG (Kolding Gymnasium) and then I really, really want to go to an art school in Germany to study fine arts. So plans have changed drastically and as far as I now know the plans I have now are final. I am going to apply to a few more art schools though.

What advice do you have for the current M5s?
Please take time off and do something fun with your friends! Doing homework might seem more important if you have three deadlines due but I also know that if you ask the teachers for help they will not let you fail. Though that obviously only applies if you are willing to cooperate with them and hold your end of the deal.

What do you plan on doing next?
As mentioned previously I am going to enroll at IB in Kolding Gymnasium next year for the diploma program. After this I am going to apply to art schools around the world and hope that I get accepted at one of them (hopefully the one in Germany).

Any messages for your old teachers?
Awanti: Even though I might not be making that much art this year don’t you worry I’m only charging up for the best artistic future!
Charlotte: I hope my brother is keeping the abstract memory of me alive for you.
Bo: Bis nächstes Jahr 🙂