When I tell people about Minerva University, I receive a range of reactions, from happiness and joy to concern and skepticism. Regardless of the response, there is always an undertone of confusion and I can see the assumptions formulating in their head as they try to make sense of this scam-like school. No exams? Travelling to seven cities? One-percent acceptance rate? No campus? Well, almost all of this is true.
My experience at SMUS has played a pivotal role in my decision to commit to this remarkable university next year. At the ripe age of 14, I made the bold choice to leave my home, in Hong Kong, and move to a boarding school in Victoria, B.C. This decision stemmed from the fact that I deeply believed I was destined for more and thought moving abroad would be able to fulfill that destiny. With certainty, I can say this was the best decision I had ever made. What I have gained from this journey has far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I stepped onto the SMUS campus, I was overwhelmed by love and support. The warmth and enthusiasm showed by students and staff filled a hole in my heart that I didn’t know was empty. I instantly knew this school was going to be my second home.
Within the first week of school, I was exposed to a richness of cultures I had never encountered before. Class discussions and group projects were packed with diverse perspectives. Within that same week, I learned more than the internet could ever teach me. Each of us came from such different backgrounds, yet we were connected by our desire to learn and share stories.
Fast forward three years, and I am honoured to be Head of Timmis House, one of our boarding residences. This experience has not only bolstered my confidence, but deepened my connection with my fellow housemates – my family. Seeing people come from all around the world and together creating a community, a home away from home, is something I will forever be grateful for. It’s what drove me to pursue an atypical university like Minerva.
“Become an Unstoppable Global Citizen” are the first words you see on Minerva University’s website and this instantly captured my attention. I had heard about this unconventional school and their unique application process through my sister and watching YouTube videos, and I thought to myself, 'why not?' As I frantically clicked on the decision letter weeks later with my friends calling me on FaceTime, a smile grew on my face as I realized I would embark on a journey like no other.
In short, come September, I will be attending Minerva University, which is an accredited university based in the United States, though it operates more like an international school, focused on nurturing critical thinkers and world leaders. With a cohort of approximately two-hundred people, the discussion-based classes are conducted on their online platform and capped at twenty students. During the four years of undergrad, students travel together and immerse themselves in seven cities: San Francisco, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hyderabad. While it is true that there is 'no campus' in the traditional sense, we will have an entire city right at our disposal. The assignments and projects are heavily city-based, and Minerva’s active learning model encourages us to apply our learning to positively contribute to the world.
To be perfectly honest, I never intended to attend Minerva University. I thought the chances were way too low and the entire concept seemed so unrealistic that it would never happen. Thus, I saw little point in telling my friends and family about this application if I was not going to get in. But even months before my post-secondary journey officially begins, I can feel the strength of the Minerva community. Already, I have forged connections with people from every corner of the globe, all of whom share my excitement for exploring the world together. While the program itself played a huge role in my decision, it was the sense of community that drew me in. My time in boarding at SMUS has opened my eyes to the importance of a tight-knit community and cultivating diverse perspectives–essential qualities in our increasingly globalized world.
As my high school chapter comes to a close, I look forward to what is yet to come. The opportunity to embark on this unexpected, thrilling journey absolutely blows my mind. The immense personal growth I have experienced throughout my time at SMUS is unparalleled; I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
