Class of 2025: Living Worldwise with Purpose - Mila's story
For Mila L, the Dulwich Pudong experience has been one of growth, reflection and connection. From Challenge Week adventures to moments of quiet joy with friends, her journey is marked by a deep sense of self-awareness and empathy. Mila shares how her time at Dulwich has helped shape her global outlook and personal values.
What were some of your most memorable experiences during your time at Dulwich Pudong?
Challenge Week was a truly memorable experience, offering us the opportunity to test our physical limits in a supportive environment. Personally, I have never considered myself particularly strong in physical education. However, what made Challenge Week special was the chance to push beyond my perceived boundaries and explore what I was truly capable of. Being with friends and taking on challenges together motivated me significantly. I tend to perform better under a healthy level of peer pressure, and being part of a team helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had.
Impact Day was another highlight of my time at Dulwich. It provided us with valuable opportunities to engage with global issues and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Each year, we explored a different theme – such as cultural inclusivity and water resource management – which encouraged meaningful discussions among classmates and inspired us to think critically about our role in contributing to positive change.
Are there any teachers that you'd like to single out for thanks, and if so why?
I would like to express my sincere thanks to our wonderful Head of Year, Ms. Hodkinson. She has been incredibly responsible and truly cares for us – not just academically, but also in terms of our physical and emotional well-being. She always noticed when we were going through difficult times and never hesitated to offer words of encouragement or celebrate our successes. Throughout the IB journey, whenever someone was struggling, she was always there – ready to listen with empathy and offer support in any way she could. Her presence made a real difference, and I am deeply grateful for everything she has done for us.
How did being at Dulwich Pudong prepare you for applying to university?
Our university application support began as early as Year 10. We participated in University and Career Counseling sessions, during which we explored a wide range of universities from different countries. As part of the process, we identified and prioritized various factors that could influence our university choices, such as academic reputation, location, and campus life. In addition, the UCC team actively promoted university fairs and school visits. These events provided us with valuable opportunities to engage directly with admissions representatives, allowing us to ask questions and gain deeper insights into different institutions.
Our vision is 'Live Worldwise'. What does this mean to you and why is it important to be a 'global citizen'?
To me, ‘Live Worldwise’ means thinking beyond our immediate surroundings and engaging with the world. It’s about being aware of the challenges our world faces – such as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals – and understanding that these issues are connected with us and require our collective actions.
Being a global citizen means recognizing that we all share a responsibility to contribute to take actions. If we are not educated to think globally, we may lack the perspective and motivation. Educating us to become a global citizen helps us develop the awareness, empathy, and critical thinking skills necessary to address global problems. Change doesn’t happen on its own. If we don’t act, no one will. By living Worldwise, we acknowledge our role in shaping a better future and commit to making a positive impact, no matter how small our actions may seem.
What are you going to miss most about Dulwich Pudong?
One of the things I’ll miss most are the small, everyday moments – playing card games with friends after school, sharing toast every Friday during break time, and gathering to play Overcooked together. These simple routines created a sense of connection and joy that I’ll always treasure. It wasn’t just about the games or the food – it was the laughter that came from being surrounded by people who understood and supported one another. In those seemingly ordinary moments, we built some of our strongest friendships. They were a break from the pressures of schoolwork, a time when we could relax and recharge.
Lastly, where do you imagine yourself in 30 years and what do you think your future self might say to you now?
In 30 years, I think my future self would remind me that everyone makes different choices in life, and that choosing a path that’s different from others doesn’t mean failure or that I’ve made the wrong decision. Life is not about following a fixed formula; it’s a collection of experiences shaped by the decisions we make. As a quote from a movie I recently watched says: “You are not what you chose – you are the sum of your choices.” That really resonated with me.
I believe my future self would encourage me to keep following my heart, to trust my instincts, and to have the courage to choose what feels right – even if it’s uncertain. If I stay true to myself and my values, I believe the best things in life will naturally follow.
