In 2015, he already took part in the UWC selection process but was too young to attend a college which led to his National Committee offering him a place at the UWC short course in Turkey instead. After this experience, Mohammed’s passion for attending a UWC had become even bigger and so he applied again - and this time it worked and he was offered a place at UWC Atlantic College. He reached out to us to share a heartfelt letter full of anticipation, excitement and hope, which he hopes will encourage other students in difficult situations to apply to UWC regardless of the obstacles they may face. You can read it below.

"I’m Mohammed Akel, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon. I have been living in a refugee camp since I was born. I have been studying at the The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) since grade one.

I have loved traveling and reading about other cultures since I was a little boy. Sitting in one of our camp’s alleys and reading about people who lived all over the globe instilled in me a respect for diversity and a burning desire to be an advocate for those who are underserved in my community and this planet. In December 2015, a representative from my National Committee, Tara Hermez, came to my school and gave us a presentation about UWC. I was fascinated by UWC, by the education system, the sharing culture, and the way in which students learn about global issues. I decided to apply for this amazing opportunity.

Although I was admitted to the selection process, I could not be granted a place at a UWC school or college because I was still too young - and so my National Committee gave me the chance to attend a UWC short course in Turkey.

For me the short course was a life changing experience where I got the chance to explore many topics, but most importantly I made best friends from all around the world. I decided to re-apply for UWC this year, and, thank god, I was accepted to attend UWC Atlantic College. I was offered a full scholarship. While the very idea of being part of UWC already makes me tremble with anticipation, what really leaves me with sleepless nights are the people who will be part of my life at UWC. They are the ones who, as an inspiring, motivated and enthusiastic community of youth, will set the stage for a transformative UWC experience. The brief conversations I’ve had with my co-years on Facebook tell me so! It is also my belief that the people I meet in UWC will be the most definitive feature of this college, and nothing excites me more than the privilege to live with them and gain precious insights to carry with me for the rest of my life.

And I always say,”'Instead of asking: What experience will UWC be giving me? I suppose I should ask: what will I be doing to make UWC a worthwhile experience?'

So, UWC, bring it on!"