Nina’s Global Journey: From IB Graduate to Baret Scholar

Baret’s promise to live by the slogan of providing their students with “their best year yet” has been more than fulfilled. In the span of three months, I talked to Nobel prize winners, filmmakers, politicians, social impact investors and much more. 

Living and exploring the world across three different cities so far - New York, Sao Paulo and Paris is complemented with week-long fellowships in Washington, DC, Buenos Aires and soon London. As a member of a 55 students cohort, coming from 37 countries ( proudly representing Poland) I have had the opportunity to observe the community and the environment around me in an unique way. 

As the leader of content and writing of student-led “Etoile Magazine” at Baret Scholars, I have had the chance to reflect on the offered events more closely. With the program comprising of the following key pillars - Morning Program (everyday lectures in a form of TED talks where invited speakers share about their professions and journey), Afternoon Options (extracurriculars covering the themes of filmmaking, politics, creative writing and innovation) and individual exploration I have raised an argument regarding the Morning Program claiming that “thanks to the speakers’ willingness to share their key life lessons, every Scholar can infer something for themselves and all the journal pages filled during these talks should constitute proof. Thus, I would argue that at Baret, the impact of the Morning Program should be measured in the amount of pages written by the cohort.”

There truly is a magic in writing notes and asking questions. Moreover there is magic in confidence which is enhanced within each Scholar throughout this intensive year of exploration and study. 

The confidence and eagerness to ask questions allowed me to make my way to the stage and pitch my startup idea to one of investors, who joined Baret Scholars as a speaker. Individual exploration allowed me to take advantage of the UNGA taking place in the city during our stay in New York and grab a coffee with the Chief of Office of the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Interest in international aid, has led me to an internship at Red Cross Brazil complimented with first aid training. Through my conversation with the President of Red Cross Sao Paulo, I have begun to understand not only the values embodied by the organisation but also explore key points of humanitarian aid delivered in times of natural disasters, such as the 2024 floods in the south of Brazil.

In Sao Paulo, I had the honour of visiting the second oldest Art Biennial and conversing with local activists and artists as well as the City Council, giving me a glimpse of the politics of the largest city in South America. 

Finally, during my stay in Buenos Aires, I had the opportunity to spend the day at the National Congress in the office of its youngest congressmen. Seeing how the presence of youth in politics has been fostered and transformed in Argentina across the years has carried a hopeful message for the rest of the world.  

As my personal interests span across politics, diplomacy and the startup world as well as being a curious learner it is thrilling to see Baret Scholars design its lectures and outings with an adequate representation of four themes of: creativity, politics, environment and innovation. While staying away from the traditional educational path could be considered controversial, Baret Scholars has already given me access to countless opportunities, mentoring me in my personal and professional projects. 

Considering that this is only the first term of the journey, and we will still have the chance to live in Istanbul, Nairobi, New Delhi and Beijing and explore the regions through offered fellowships, my excitement reaches impossible levels. 

While grateful for the educational experience I had at Rossall, I am still struggling to comprehend how quickly our lives can change within a year and that education can be carried on in a myriad of settings. One thing which continues to connect traditional and unconventional education should be curiosity - fostering our drive to keep learning and exploring (while asking hundreds of questions)!

So if you are eager to explore the world, run your own projects, talk to fascinating people and feed your curiosity - this is a place for you!