Congratulations to The Class of 2024

We’re pleased to share this year’s graduating class: 21 incredible individuals whose personalities are as unique as their TGS experiences. Yet, for all of their wonderful differences, each is united in having left an enduring mark on their educators, our school’s culture, and, most importantly, each other.

Without further ado, we present to you the THINK Global School Class of 2024!

Andrea Claudia Diaz Gutierrez

Year Joined: 2022

From: Peru 🇵🇪

Countries Andrea called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior Quote: “Help ever, hurt never.” – Fujii Kaze

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Talking about life with Saila, working with Neeki on my sustainable dog kibble-making project, presenting at the showcase and symposium, being in Terrence’s and Saila’s multiple times, being friends with and singing with Shangrila and Esha, creating two books, learning fencing, going to morning runs with Shasta and Riley, having conversations with Sam and Leticia, and looking back to realize how much I’ve changed.

Gracias por estas memorias, TGS. Tupananchiskama! (Until life brings us together again)

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Project-based learning, the three S’s (Saila, Shasta, Sam), and Eshangrilandrea.

What’s next? Gap year to continue working on my mastery project, Foodstainable.

Aryna Parechyna

Year Joined: 2021

From: Belarus 🇧🇾

Countries Aryna called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “I will survive.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Miyajima island / Botswana term / India term

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most?

The people, “Kenzie: new activity in your CAR,” Educators 💗🤟, “I have a question”

What’s next? Minerva University

Charlie Luong Fennell

Year Joined: 2022

From: Vietnam 🇻🇳

Countries Charlie called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “Vaut mieux vivre avec des remords qu’avec des regrets.” – Dommage, Bigflo & Oli

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Pulling in the anchor on the boat in Oman and then smacking my head on a metal bar right after.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Being social, travel, and exploring countries with friends.

What’s next? University, hopefully Monash University Malaysia

David Oluwatobi Oladejo

Year Joined: 2022

From: Nigeria 🇳🇬

Countries David called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, South Korea, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Performing the theatre act “Next Samurai” during Japan’s showcase.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Showcase, stipend, and Sundays.

What’s next? The University of Toronto to study computer science, math, and statistics.

Doeun Kim

Year Joined: 2022

From: South Korea 🇰🇷

Countries Doeun called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “The future is mind.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? My favorite memories were the weXplore trips from each term. However, the Türkiye term weXplore and the learning I gained from the module regarding history were particularly memorable. It was fun to ride an ATV and horse in Kapadokya. Additionally, when I proposed my first personal project in Türkiye, I performed a Turkish folk dance. The applause from the audience on stage was incredibly memorable, and it was the first sense of accomplishment I gained from TGS.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The stipend, the diverse cultural background of students, and the project-based learning and assessment system.

What’s next? Bard College Berlin.

Esha Veena Veerayya

Year Joined: 2022

From: Malaysia 🇲🇾

Countries Esha called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, India, Japan, and South Korea

Senior quote: “I could live here.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Cutting perfect wood pieces in Bosnia, learning Mandarin with Shangrila and Andrea, eating brunch with Tari, and being roommates with Tari.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The people, the travel, and the stipend.

What’s next? Gap year.

Keetah Boulton

Year Joined: 2021

From: Belarus 🇧🇾, Canada 🇨🇦, and The Netherlands 🇳🇱

Countries Keetah called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “No mountains, no valleys.” – TGS Educator Shasta Gray

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Camping on an island in Oman for a week: snorkeling, diving, seeing turtles lay eggs, and spending mindful nature hours with the people I care about.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The people, the stipend, and the memories

What’s next? Gap year.

Luiza Mariani Paiva Caldeira Brant

Year Joined: 2021

From: Brasil 🇧🇷

Countries Luiza called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “Dude, like, oh, my god. Can we talk about the political and economic state of the world right now?” – Jaden Smith

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Stepping on a rat in India–truly unforgettable.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Getting to eat airplane food every two months, having a personal project budget, and enjoying late-night conversations with roommates.

What’s next? I’m taking a traveling gap year as a Baret Scholar and then going to college.

Maximilian Friedl

Year Joined: 2021

From: NYC, USA 🇧🇷

Countries Max called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “Cleveland, THIS IS FOR YOUU!!!” -Lebron James

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? CM1 vs CM2 5-4 El Classico Victory. The Barracks in Malaysia

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The stipend, the enjoyable chaos, and friends.

What’s next? University of Colorado Boulder to study journalism, media, and communications.

Mishkatul Ain Nanjiba

Year Joined: 2022

From: Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Countries Raya called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, India, Japan, and South Korea

Camping in the wilderness of Maun, Botswana: stargazing at night and watching the sunrise. I have never seen such a beautiful sunrise. The bright stars were shining, and then, as the birds chirping in the distance became louder, I saw a hue of blue, shades of purple, and then vivid pink before the sun showed up. I had never imagined the sky could be this pink. I was stunned by the beauty and vividness of the colors. It was more beautiful than anything I had seen in National Geographic, posters, or on the internet.

The safari guide sat next to me by the fire and answered my numerous questions about the wild. He taught me how to tell the time by watching the stars and shared fascinating stories of bravery: how he faced lions many times and survived only through his courage. The key, he told me, is to stand still with your hands up and show them you are not a predator. But how can you stand still with a lion one foot away?

Senior quote: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -Amanda Gormen

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The guided freedom to explore places and my passions.

What’s next? Either the University of Rochester or Hamilton College.

Nefertari Jones

Year Joined: 2022

From: USA 🇺🇸

Countries Nefertari called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, India, Japan, and South Korea

Senior quote: “Those who say sunshine brings happiness have never danced in the rain.” – Unknown

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Taking the metro to class in South Korea: the calmness, the jingles, the views.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Friends, living in new places, and getting flight miles.

What’s next? New York University to major in computer science and minor in film production and business.

Nicolás Chiriboga Viteri

Year Joined: 2022

From: Ecuador 🇪🇨

Countries Nicolás called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “We got to be the dysfunctional-functional caring and supportive family we once dreamed about.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Mabel and I were tasked with taking three giant telescopes and grocery bags from the hotel to the showcase venue in Istanbul. The ride was supposed to be only 15 minutes. We took a big taxi, but the driver didn’t speak English and didn’t understand where we were going. Instead of taking us to the venue, we had a nice drive to the Asian part of the city, around 40 minutes away from where we were supposed to be. When we told the driver he was supposed to take us somewhere else, he dropped us off in the middle of the street with the telescopes and bags. Now Mabel and I were stuck in the middle of the road with three giant telescopes that we were too weak to carry, with no money, a lack of data, and 40 minutes away from everybody. Showcase started in 20 minutes… what a great experience.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? “I never took the SAT, but I do know love, kindness, and community. Go Ubuntu.”

What’s next? Gap year to continue traveling.

Niko Wei

Year Joined: 2021

From: USA 🇺🇸

Countries Niko called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior Quote: “Preoccupied with a single leaf, you won’t see the tree. Preoccupied with a single tree, you’ll miss the entire forest.” – Takuan Soho

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? It’s got to be the hike I went on in Bosnia with Kenzo, Sigurd, Chema, Sally, Tiko, and Shasta. We had fun going up a good portion of Trebević Mountain, enjoying nature, and exploring abandoned buildings. We also had a companion join us! We named him Doug. Doug the dog. I will always remember that day well.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The people, the places, and the fun we had together!

What’s next? Gap year.

Rafael Waldman

Year Joined: 2021

From: Netherlands 🇳🇱

Countries Raf called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “At TGS, you will experience your highest highs and lowest lows, but it will be worth it and the best experience of your life.” – 2022 Alumni, Sofia Von Wachter

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Hiking in TreeXplore, or TraumaXplore as I called it, and seeing the beautiful views, or watching the sunset on weXplore in Goa.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Community, diversity, and open-mindedness.

What’s next? Attending the University of Miami to study entrepreneurship.

Rianon Thomas

Year Joined: 2022

From: New Zealand 🇳🇿

Countries Rianon called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, India, Japan, and South Korea

Senior quote: “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” – Winnie the Pooh

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Rite of Passage in Botswana, sleeping in a hut in the middle of the desert with giraffes and elephants passing by our hut.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? My fellow students, the staff, Rite of Passage.

What’s next? Wellington University in 2025

Sally Smith

Year Joined: 2022

From: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Countries Sally called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “Live, Laugh, Love.” – Me at any slight inconvenience.

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? The whole of my Oman weXplore: scuba diving, watching turtles give birth, sleeping on a beach, and hanging out with the best people—nothing can beat it.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The people, the trust, and the the travel.

What’s next? Gap year.

Santiago de Mateo García Parrodi

Year Joined: 2021

From: Mexico 🇲🇽

Countries Santiago called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates

Senior quote: “Music heard so deeply
That it is not heard at all, but you are the music
While the music lasts.” -T.S. Elliot

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Going to the beach in Kerala for a whole week: chilling on the beach, going on the banana boat, and eating coconuts while sharing a king-size bed and a mattress on the floor with my two roommates.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The roommates, the random unexpected experiences during weXplores, and dining with friends every day.

What’s next? Attending Maastricht University to join their Arts & Culture program.

Sigurd Leversund Rygge

Year Joined: 2022

From: Norway 🇳🇴

Countries Sigurd called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Greece, India, Japan, and South Korea

Senior quote: “I would prefer not to.” – Slavoj Žižek

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Doing bouldering, basketball, and bowling in one afternoon, consecutively, together with Kenzo.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The food, the people, and the experiences.

What’s next? Constructor University in Germany to study chemistry and biotechnology.

Taqiuddin Waleed Refaat Moussa Moussa Abdou

Year Joined: 2022

From: Egypt 🇪🇬

Countries Taqi called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “Goodbye, troublemakers.” — The GOAT

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? In Malaysia, I had to drag Keetah back into the raft after they fell off.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? Living with my friends, being chill with my educators, and getting fried chicken with Sarfo.

What’s next? Gap year.

Yana Sunish Parikh

Year Joined: 2022

From: Zambia 🇿🇲

Countries Yana called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye

Senior quote: “The only rule is to not be boring and dress cute wherever you go.” – Paris Hilton

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? Hiking up a Malaysian rainforest during Rite of Passage in my first term.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The educators, the stipend, and my friends.

What’s next? The University of Illinois Chicago.

Zaid Khai Ahmed

Year Joined: 2022

From: Morocco 🇲🇦

Countries Zaid called home: Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Turkiye

Senior quote: “We don’t sleep when it’s sunny outside.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at TGS? I have many, but my favorite memory is when we finally won a leadership game with the module in the Omani desert during the sunset.

What are the three aspects of TGS you will miss the most? The pre-paid everything, the feeling of landing in a new country, and the simplest moments like getting snacks with your friends after school or the reflex of going to the common room to see who’s there knowing you will have fun.

What’s next? Al Akhawayn University.