2022- Peter’s Educational Journey – From UWC Africa to St. Olaf College in the USA
When Peter was nominated for United World Colleges (UWC), it was already a rare and remarkable honour.
He was one of only ten students from all of Thailand to be nominated that year.
After a demanding selection process, he was accepted into Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Southern Africa — one of the world’s leading international schools, founded on the belief that education can create hope, responsibility, and understanding across cultures.
For a boy who had grown up in northern Thailand, this meant leaving everything familiar behind and starting a new life in Eswatini, surrounded by students from all parts of the world.
With his own efforts, combined with the quiet and steady support of those who had believed in him for many years — especially Kari and Eilif — Peter was able to attend Waterford Kamhlaba on a full scholarship.
During his two years at UWC, he grew not only academically, but also as a young man learning to navigate the world with confidence, respect, curiosity, and resilience.
After graduating from UWC, Peter made a very humble and focused decision.
He applied to only two universities in the United States.
One of them was St. Olaf College in Minnesota — a highly respected liberal arts college known for academic excellence, international engagement, and strong values.
When the email arrived, it was more than just an acceptance:
Peter was awarded a full four-year scholarship, covering his entire education.
Today, he is studying at St. Olaf College, working hard toward three majors:
Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, and Chinese.
It is a demanding path, but it reflects both his curiosity and his discipline.
Peter’s journey has been long.
From a small village boy in Thailand, to an international student in Africa, and now a university student in the United States — supported quietly, faithfully, and tirelessly by those who believed in him.
Among them, Kari and Eilif stand with special significance.
Without their encouragement, understanding, and steady support through the years, this path would have been far more difficult — and perhaps impossible.
Education is rarely a journey taken alone.
And Peter’s path is proof of what becomes possible when ability, effort, and human kindness meet.
