Student Stories: Music as a language of solidarity

When Aimée applied to UWC Robert Bosch College, she initially did so for one simple reason: she didn’t want to look back later and regret not having tried. Her eldest sister had attended a United World College in Norway and often told her about the experience — the freedom to create her own projects, the strength of the community, and the new perspective it gave her on the world.

“My sister said that she was given a pair of glasses there that made the future look much more hopeful,” Aimée recalls.

She couldn’t let go of that image. Even during the application process, she began to understand herself more deeply. The reflective questions prompted her to think about her values, aspirations, and goals. When she was finally accepted, she was overjoyed.

Arriving in a Place That Quickly Feels Like Home

At first, Aimée was slightly disappointed that she would end up in Freiburg rather than at a UWC abroad. Today, she can only smile about it.

“After two weeks, I just thought: how good it is that I’m here.”

The international experience she had been looking for was not found in geographical distance, but in the people around her. At the same time, she values being close enough to her family at Lake Constance to visit them on some weekends.

Compared to her previous school, Aimée experiences learning at UWC as fundamentally different. Instead of frontal teaching and memorized knowledge, the emphasis is on dialogue, exchange, and shared discovery.

“I don’t just go to school here to have lessons. I come here to meet my friends, to learn and grow together.”

She is particularly inspired by how closely classroom learning connects to real life. Whether exploring politics, society, or global issues, education becomes something deeply personal.

Music as a Lifelong Companion

Music has been a central part of Aimée’s life since early childhood. Together with her family, she has been making music since the age of two in a family band that performs children’s songs. Aimée sings, writes songs, and plays the piano.

At UWC, her relationship with music evolved once again. For the first time, she began to discover her own artistic voice and devoted herself more intentionally to her original songs. If she had to describe herself and her musical style through three artists, she would choose Raye, Olivia Dean, and Lizzy McAlpine.

She hopes to release her first album this year.

“I capture feelings in my songs — and also a piece of my experience here at UWC.”

Together with her classmates, she composes, produces, and experiments. For Aimée, music is far more than a hobby; it is an expression of humanity and hope.

“In a world full of conflict, I want to pass on love and hope through my music.”

When life at the college becomes hectic, she finds her anchor at the piano. Whether in the CAS House, the auditorium, or during spontaneous sessions with friends, music helps her stay grounded.

A Friendship That Broadens Horizons

Aimée shares her room with Somaya from Afghanistan and Johanna from Germany. What began as a simple room-sharing arrangement has grown into a deep friendship.

“Our room feels like a small family.”

Few experiences have shaped Aimée more than her friendship with Somaya. Through Somaya’s stories, she gained a deeply personal insight into the realities faced by women in Afghanistan — and has since witnessed Somaya discover new freedoms at UWC.

“It’s wonderful to see how she blossoms here and can just be herself.”

Somaya experiments with her appearance, expresses her personality openly, and gradually gains confidence. For Aimée, this is a daily reminder of the importance of education, freedom, and community.

“UWC is the people — not the buildings and not the academic programs.”

Into the Future with an Open Heart

Aimée is one of those young people who view the world with remarkable sensitivity and creativity. She combines musical talent with a genuine curiosity about other people and cultures.

Her first year at UWC Robert Bosch College has allowed her to grow not only academically, but above all as a person. She has gained new perspectives, formed deep friendships, and developed a clearer sense of her path as a musician.

And when she sits at the piano and sings, it becomes clear what brought her to this place in the first place: the desire to touch people and make hope audible.

Photo: Björn Hänssler