1) Hi Nada, can you tell us what you've been up to since graduating from THINK Global School in 2022? Since graduating in 2022, I've been pursuing a passion I found while at TGS, sustainability, and I am currently majoring in engineering in renewable energy systems at Al Akhawayn University, in Ifrane, Morocco. But there is way more than that! I've had a chance also to explore the world of...
Read MoreWith our 2024-25 school year just a couple of weeks away, we want to share details on what Class of ’24 Graduate Andrea Claudia Diaz Gutierrez will be up to during that time.
During her gap year, Andrea will focus on a project she launched at TGS: Foodstainable. Shocked by reports that half of Peru’s food is wasted, Andrea founded Foodstainable to turn food waste into dog food. This year, she’ll travel across Europe to give speeches and raise funds to build a dog shelter in Peru.
Hi Andrea, how did you find out about TGS?
To me, being a student means being constantly challenged and curious about what you will learn next, but my last years of high school in Peru lacked this. I participated in various programs, from international business to biology, seeking more. One program run by Quinta Ola led me to co-found my first NGO, ConexEDU, four years ago. This opportunity opened my eyes to project creation and social issues, prompting me to seek a new kind of education.
At the start of this journey, my basic English led to failed interviews. While scrolling on Instagram, I found a post about TGS, and the more I read about it, the more I loved it. So, I studied English hard for a month and sent my application right before the deadline!Â
What was your favorite term during your time at THINK Global School?
I loved Bosnia! At first, I felt out of my comfort zone with all the changes and new faces, but it quickly became a new start. Being in the Genomic Justice module was almost like a dream come true, as it was my first science module at TGS. I had the opportunity to work in a laboratory, talk to survivors, and witness the power of science.
The Bosnia term gave me unique experiences, like creating a book in Spanish and English about the Srebrenica genocide and how DNA identification helps find missing people. I became more connected to the community by making new friends, proposing my mastery and service learning, and eating pesto pasta almost every day (what a dream!).
Why should other people apply?
TGS allowed me to explore topics I was genuinely interested in as deeply as I wanted. For instance, I created my own natural sunscreen in Türkiye, tested it, and then shared this mini-research experience with students in Peru. I learned about graphic novel creation with real book author Ibtihaj Al Harthi , created an NGO to feed stray dogs, launched a bilingual magazine to feature activists from diverse backgrounds, designed jewelry inspired by my culture, and many other things.
So, if you want to delve into something you’re passionate about or discover your interests, this school is the right place for you!