2008 Graduating Class

This section provides brief profiles and photos of the Davis United World College Scholars Program’s graduating Class of 2008.

During the preparation of this yearbook, each senior scholar responded to several questions from the Davis UWC Scholars Program. They wrote about the impact of their college experience on their lives, learning, and goals. Many also briefly described their plans and hopes for the future. The profiles that follow quote from their responses.

A B C D E-F G H I-J K L M N O-Q R S T U-V W-Z

	Senate Taka Lesotho Pearson UWC, Canada Dartmouth College Making a difference is what we all strive for. From my days in Pearson College, I’ve always tried to make sure that what I did mattered. From common-room conversations to formal academic discussions, I’ve strived to educate and be educated. It is with education that we learn to accept new ideas, learn that we are not always right, and learn humility. And it is with this humility that I hope to go forth into the world to bring about change, however small.
	Hwinei Joanna Tavengwa Zimbabwe UWC of the Atlantic, Wales Wesleyan University Wesleyan has given me the opportunity to further develop social, academic, and leadership skills. Two projects that mean a lot to me are Education for Life, which I initiated to help educate less privileged children in Zimbabwe, and chemistry research investigating potential MRI contrast agents. I feel there is so much to accomplish, yet so little time ahead. However, I am ready to use that little time efficiently and make a positive difference in any way I can.
	Joerose Tharakan India Mahindra UWC, India Colby College On paper, I’m a math and economics double major, but I’ve spent an equal measure of time with eloquent and learned professors who’ve introduced me to everything from astronomy to Latin American history, theatrical magic realism to demography. This diversity of experience and the lasting friendships I’ve made undoubtedly will serve me well in the future. To be able to say this with such confidence is a gift beyond measure, and I thank the Davis family for making it so.
	Ekaphap (Piquet) Thengtrirat Thailand UWC-USA Washington and Lee University Moving from UWC to Washington and Lee was a big change, both socially and culturally. However, I found that no matter where I am, nothing can stop me from growing to become a better person, learning from others, sharing what I have, trying to make a difference, and contributing something to the community I belong to.
	June Tibaleka Uganda UWC-USA Johns Hopkins University At JHU, I co-founded Saving Lives with AIDS Medication (SLAM AIDS), which raises funds for antiretroviral therapy for AIDS patients in developing countries and has provided them to patients in Uganda. Working with SLAM AIDS and seeing the patients we have helped has propelled me further into a career in medicine and public health. I plan to return to Uganda after medical and public health training to work as a physician and improve the health status of people both locally and globally.
	Ronald Tjiho Namibia UWC-USA Westminster College My giant step halfway across the earth has been a leap to multidimensional knowledge. My experiences, from conversations with my professors to accomplishing internships in and out of state, have broadened my knowledge of possibilities. I leave college not only with dreams and ambitions but also with channels through which I can implement them with unyielding perseverance and focus. It might have taken me 23 years to get here, but I know it was worth the wait.
	Stephanie Sik Chin Tong Hong Kong Li Po Chun UWC, Hong Kong University of Virginia Davis UWC Scholars Program and LPCUWC, thank you. Because of you, my life changed forever. Here at UVA, the local community has yet to become more aware of international understanding. Therefore, we started a UWC Club to unite all graduates. Also, I am dedicated to leading the Student Affairs Committee under the Student Council. Our team of nine students is passionate about improving diversity, allocating more resources, and making a difference to the U.S. international community.
	Emily Trostle USA UWC of the Atlantic, Wales Smith College Smith has been an incredible experience. I have learned so much from my involvement with the feminist organization here — perhaps most importantly, about the value of community. I have appreciated the intentionality of attending a women’s school and the opportunity to pursue an education informed by feminist and political ends. I plan to attend graduate school in the fall and work in the nonprofit sector in the southern states.
	Pema Tshomo Bhutan UWC of the Atlantic, Wales Middlebury College Challenging, exploratory, lifelong friendships, inspiring acquaintances, indescribable experiences, enriching, and fulfilling — these are the words that encapsulate my life in the last four years. I’ve organized and participated in events, taken courses I never thought I would and enjoyed them, had discussions with individuals with diverse views, cooked cuisines from around the world, and made many discoveries about myself along the way. I hope to pursue a career that would provide children in my home country opportunities like those I have had.
	Aidan Tumas USA Pearson UWC, Canada Vassar College After a year of study, I took time off to reflect. I worked as a therapist with autistic children and began making training videos for the agency. After a semester off, I returned to Vassar to pursue a degree in media studies, with a focus in film and philosophy. Over summers, I worked with environmental non-profits in Michigan and conducted research advocating service-learning education in Wisconsin schools.
	Anthony Tumwebaze Tumuhimbise Uganda UWC of the Atlantic, Wales Connecticut College The last four years were very rewarding, full of unforgettable experiences and numerous achievements. I feel very prepared and confident that I will put my education to the best use possible to make positive change. My activities here included soccer and membership in the International Students, Investment, African Students, Philosophy, and Engineers clubs. I also interned at Computer Point Uganda and Deutsche Bank AG in London, where I have a fixed position in legal risk and capital effective September 2008.