USJ Macao Student Attends Summer School at Worcester College, Oxford University, sponsored by BritCham Macao

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USJ Macao Student Attends Summer School at Worcester College, Oxford University, sponsored by BritCham Macao

2024-10-22

22

Oct

22/10/2024

Khaela Julienna Xyrille Vallo, a third-year Bachelor of Design student, is the first student from USJ to attend the prestigious summer school at Worcester College, Oxford University.

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) is proud to announces that Khaela Julienna Xyrille Vallo, a dedicated third-year Bachelor of Design student, is the first student from USJ to attend the prestigious summer school at Worcester College, Oxford University. This remarkable opportunity was made possible through the sponsorship of BritCham Macao.

Khaela’s two-week journey in Oxford was not just an academic endeavor, it was a transformative experience filled with personal growth, cultural exchange, and deep connections with fellow students from around the globe. In her appreciation message, Khaela expressed heartfelt gratitude for the chance to step beyond her comfort zone and engage with a diverse community of learners.

USJ is immensely grateful to BritCham for their continued support, which allows students to access some of the world’s best universities and competitive summer programs.

As Khaela returns to Macau, she brings with her not only a certificate of achievement but also a renewed sense of hope and a network of international friendships. Her journey exemplifies the opportunities available to USJ students through partnerships with organizations like BritCham Macao.

USJ looks forward to further collaborations that will enable more students to embark on transformative educational journeys at top-tier institutions worldwide.

[From left to right: Rector of USJ, Prof. Stephen Morgan, Khaela Vallo, and Dr. Dominik Wanner, Co-Director of Oxford Certificate Programmes, Worcester College (University of Oxford) at the University of Saint Joseph’s Ilha Verde Campus]

Read Khaela’s Story below:

“Soar”

By Khaela Julienna Xyrille Sabado Vallo

In the heart of Macau, where vibrant lights dance across the skyline and the hum of the city never sleeps, a new adventure was about to unfold. An experience, that wasn’t only a crossing of miles, but a leap into a world of scintillating dreams, memories, and self-discovery.

My name is Khaela Vallo. I’m a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Design degree at the University of Saint Joseph. And for the first, I began an experience outside the barriers.

During the two weeks I was away, I ventured beyond my usual boundaries, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. Traveling alone was both thrilling and intimidating. I was excited by endless opportunities, yet the potential challenges weighed on my mind.

Instead, Oxford embraced me with its captivating culture and stunning landscapes at every turn.

With the cobblestone floors at my feet, the city was a tapestry of golden-hued buildings, woven with ivy and history. It certainly had its charm. But, what made this city ever so memorable were the incredible people I met. People who unexpectedly became a part of my life, who grew with me in these moments and experiences, people who I’m proud to call my Worcester family.

I stayed and studied at the University of Oxford, Worcester College partaking in the Oxford Certificate Programme. Though the journey there and back left me feeling quite groggy, the experience remained vivid and unforgettable in my mind. During my academic journey, I often felt like a fish out of water, incredibly timid and out of place, jumpy with all my thoughts scattered everywhere. It was as if I were a small dot in an overwhelmingly vast space, trying to find my footing in a world that seemed too big for me.

A world surrounded by such a diverse group of people around me was both intimidating and fascinating. Imagine people from all around the world in just one room, with each in their groups. You have participants coming from Germany, China, the Philippines, Canada, and beyond gathered here, each with their own stories and ambitions. Though feeling out of place and unsure of where to even begin and how to reach out to these people, there was still something I wanted to know.

I found myself curious about their backgrounds—what life was like for them back home, why they chose to come here, and what they hoped to gain. I longed to create genuine connections, despite my usual tendency to retreat into my comfortable shell, constantly worrying about others’ perceptions. This fear felt insurmountable, it often lingered around my youth but not so much as compared to now yet, it was still challenging.

I refused to let it hinder this chance and thought, why not take this experience as a challenge?

Step by step, I faced all my worries and fears with determination and ambition. I was resolved to give each encounter a real chance, pushing myself to engage and learn more of what it’s like to fully face the world with all of what I am.

Studying here also opened up new perspectives. It was different from what I’m used to, in fact, it was surprising. Everyone was given a chance to share their thoughts, opinions, feelings, and answers in great depth. Discussions would last for almost an hour, analyses that were thorough yet quick in a matter of minutes, and the ability to be critical yet engage in witty conversations among the participants in groupings. Everyone was bursting with ideas, enthusiasm, and curiosity, and being placed in that environment made me more ambitious.

It was mind-blowing because these conversations were all so open-minded and yet so impactful — so much so, it was enjoyable to learn.

I wanted to discover more about myself and what I could achieve. This journey was not just about academic growth; it was a personal exploration of my capabilities and potential.

And in every respect, it was scintillating—like a warm glow finally illuminating my path. The beauty of this journey lay in its ability to transform my perspective, revealing the possibilities that emerge when we step beyond our comfort zones.

Why do we doubt ourselves so much? When in reality, we have so much potential inside of us. There is so much power in what we can achieve and obtain if we just let it happen and unlock it. If we make what we want to come true to our terms, without fearing others’ judgments. We weren’t born to fail, we weren’t born to be what others make us believe, but what we want to become. In all these chances I took, I learned more about myself and what I’ve been missing out on all this time. If I had never taken the opportunity, I would never have had this chance to transform. Things would have been different, times would have changed and more often than not, we forget to celebrate these moments in our lives. We forget to live in the moment, to share them with the people who matter to us most, and to remember the impact they left on us. We need to remember that we are capable and we are special in our own ways, we just need to let ourselves see and believe in our potential more. That’s what makes life evermore meaningful, evermore beautiful. Nothing is more fulfilling than to become the person we’ve always wanted to be and believe in, and giving it a chance to grow and thrive with ourselves and others.

Reflecting on this student exchange trip, I realize how profoundly it has impacted my life. Meeting new people was initially daunting, yet it became one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had. I didn’t anticipate forming such deep connections with individuals who were warm and inviting, and who shone with kindness and inspiration. In the past, I had grown accustomed to many hardships, but these new friendships opened my eyes to the possibility of genuine warmth and acceptance.

Stepping outside my comfort zone was a challenge I rarely embraced. Normally, I prefer the safety of solitude, as interacting with people often makes me uneasy. However, this journey taught me the value of vulnerability. By engaging with others, I discovered the richness of shared experiences and the beauty of human connection. Academically and personally, I learned more than I could have imagined. Expressing my thoughts and beliefs openly was transformative and deeply engaging. I found that sharing my perspective—what I considered right or wrong—was not only enlightening but also refreshing. That it allowed me to compare my experiences with different study scenarios, broadening my understanding and helping me grow.

And as I returned home, I had a renewed sense of hope.

I found warmth, acceptance, and genuine friendships that showed me a world of kindness and inspiration. I came back with more hope and deeper appreciation, and I personally want to thank you for allowing me to learn more in my studies with this rich experience. To learn more about the world, to allow me to experience deeper connections with people I never thought I’d ever feel, and to let me share this experience with you.

This was more than just an academic pursuit; it was a journey of self-discovery.