Episodios
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After 4 countries and multiple school transfers, Chie Kameyama thought she would be an expert at moving by now. From Japan to Singapore, where she attended several international schools without first knowing any english, and Singapore to Thailand, where she completed her bilingual IB Diploma at NIST International School in 2018, Chie’s learned many lessons about transitioning and adapting over the years. Yet, starting her first year at the University of Exeter last fall, she now realizes that each new environment comes with a new set of challenges.
The main hurdles she faced in moving were the social and cultural adjustments — but reflecting on her high school experiences, Chie recalls the struggles beyond acclimating to a new environment. From IB academics and college applications to feeling totally lost and unsure about her future college choices or even which continent she wanted to apply to, she talks about her experience feeling like the only one without a direction while others seemed to have had their whole life planned out. Chie shares the lessons she learnt through these stories: do not rush, try a lot of different things, and that things take time.
Now in her second term at university, Chie and Michael talk about their experiences as global nomads. Recalling times where they’ve both been asked “I can’t pinpoint where your accent is from”, they discuss the expectations that come with their presumed identity, how they subvert it, and that this is an essential part of their shared identity as a third culture kid/adult. But wherever Chie may move in the future, one thing holds true: you can always find the people that can help make where you are, a home.
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Paul Keen, a recent graduate of the International School of Amsterdam, spent the better part of last year working, discovering himself, and developing a passion for public policy. Later this year, he will be heading to the London School of Economics to read Policy and Politics.
His circumstances and formative years are marked by remarkable coincidences. His mother and father, from New York and London respectively, met at a wedding in Alabama. Ten years later, the couple married and moved to Thailand, with Paul’s father starting a creative agency. Paul was able to see both the risks and rewards of founding your own business, and he’s inspired to also do so in the future. Paul studied at NIST International School until the age of 16 when the family moved to Amsterdam, where he became exposed to other progressive ways of thinking.
At the International School of Amsterdam and after graduating, Paul was able to work with refugees in the region and understand their issues deeply. He founded a service group at school to help them develop their English speaking skills and help them integrate into their new country of residence. He has also been able to travel to Greece, where he interacted with the refugee community extensively. Paul was able to develop a much more nuanced view on what it is like to be a refugee, seeing how a lack of purpose can hamper quality of life.
All of these experiences led to his fascination with public policy. For Paul, policy is a way of effecting societal change. Modern society continues to face challenges and having experienced life alongside refugees has taught Paul that while some people are bound by unfortunate circumstances, we are all more alike than we think.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
Host: Michael Waitze
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Leela Saeng is currently studying Digital Media Culture and Technology at Royal Holloway, University of London . This was not always the plan. When Leela was a 15 year old student at Bangkok Patana School, she decided that she wanted to pursue musical theatre.
After a conversation with her supportive parents, she enrolled at the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. As time passed, she started to realize that she wanted to continue with a more traditional university degree. At a place where everyone was preparing for their performing arts future, Leela now needed to navigate the university application process relatively unguided. She decided to return to Bangkok and be tutored extensively for her Maths, Physics, and Chemistry A-Levels, daunting subjects even for top students. Yet, with each roadblock encountered, Leela became more and more confident. She has a growing understanding of how to handle adversity, and knows her dreams don’t have to be set in stone.
Being one of the two only Asian students in her grade introduced her to new cultural experiences and life outside of the ‘Bangkok bubble’. Furthermore, Leela recounts how she would come back to Thailand and lament its state of chaos. However, as time has passed Leela has come to see the beauty of Bangkok as a dynamic, fascinating metropolis. Michael says it is always a question of perspective.
At Royal Holloway, she is confident she had made the right choice. Her course spans the intersection of technology and digital media, combining programming modules with media theory. Her projects have allowed her to apply her knowledge in the real world like live-reporting on a musical society event via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. She has also participated in a project to raise awareness of hate speech which garnered more than 70,000 views on a marketing budget of £700.
Leela and I had a super conversation. We both believe there is more discuss about the growing impact of media and our potential places in it. I look forward to having her back on the show.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Gigi Changcharoenkij’s most important lesson in college was learning to ask for what she needs to succeed. Currently a sophomore at UC Berkeley, Gigi is majoring in Economics and Psychology, complemented by her interests in communications, finance and student government.
Gigi attended the Thai-Chinese International School in Bangkok, which she characterized as a small, warm, and encouraging community. At TCIS, Gigi was actively involved in extra-curricular activities, including the band and theatre club in addition to acting as class president. Its strong Chinese programs also allowed her to be fluently trilingual, switching between Thai, English and Mandarin language as necessary.
Understandably, the transition to college was jarring. From a graduating class of 60 people to class sizes in the thousands, Berkeley felt big, sometimes too big. Professors seemed too distant to be approached, and office hours too crowded. But after her friend dragged her to office hours, Gigi learned to ask for help, and found that it was readily available. Michael says it’s true preparation for the real world.
There’s a certain pressure at college to seem unshakably self-assured, yet Gigi honestly admits she’s still mulling over her future plans. Her experience taking intriguing classes such as, “Drugs and the Brain”, or working at the ASUC Student Government have widened her perspective of what she can be. College life has never been better.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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“I didn’t know what I wanted to do.” Moreover, we agreed that it is difficult for any pre-college teenager to know what they want to do. That thought led Carlos Romero Jantacomma to Yale University, a pretty great place to figure out what one does want to do. Now a sophomore at Yale, he is studying Ethics, Politics, and Economics.
Carlos was part of Shrewsbury International School’s inaugural class, taking both his IGCSEs and A-Levels there. When applying to colleges, he didn’t want to lock himself into a field of study as the UK would have required. High schools generally do not offer specialized courses such as philosophy, and Carlos didn’t want to commit to a field of study without having tried it first.
At Yale, Carlos has been able to explore a variety of academic disciplines from Cognitive Science to Astronomy and even Game Theory. He recalls the first time he sat in a philosophy class, “This is a completely different way of thinking about things.” Slowly, he began to realize that he wanted to study ethics and philosophy, with a grounding in the real world.
Yale’s classes continue to challenge his critical thinking. Carlos has written papers on Death as the deprivation of life and even argued that the Whole Foods episode in South Park is really all about virtue signaling. Taking classes under famous professors such as Shelly Kagan allows him to develop his own opinions instead of relying on other philosopher’s published works.
During his breaks, Carlos travels all over the United States. Moving countries has forced him to pick up new cultural norms that widen his worldview. He appreciates the United States’ astounding food diversity, making it his favorite part of his travels.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Jaja Rattanajan is a sophomore studying media at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. She was destined for involvement in the media business from birth — having a reporter mother and starring in TV shows as a young girl will do that to you. Yet, her love for marketing and media has taken on new forms as she discovers her true passions in college.
The transition from ISB to college was eye-opening in many ways. Jaja cites ISB’s diversity and rigorous IB Program as having made the academic and social transition painless. At UBC, she has been exposed to many more activities and rising global trends. Sustainability is a hot topic on campus right now, yet she had never heard about it in Thailand.
Sustainability and size diversity now play a significant role in her college life. Jaja is making a conscious effort to consume less unhealthy meat and more nourishing plant-based foods. She is also asking questions about body perceptions, like the false equivalency between health and skinniness.
To her, media is an empowering force that can fix skewed societal perceptions. Jaja talks about the inspiring role models on Instagram pushing for people to accept their bodies. She can relate to other women openly expressing their insecurities, empowered by knowing she is not alone.
What does Jaja see in her future? Having interned at Coconuts and Vogue over the summer, she wants to dive straight into digital marketing for size diversity and food sustainability. For now, though, she will be learning everything she can, even if it means going to the gym while watching sustainability documentaries on Netflix.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Kalil Magtoto is back for another episode! He’s here to expand more on what he’s currently doing at the University of Waterloo and how he has effectively become a ‘student professional’ in the digital arts.
This semester, Kalil is taking a highly interdisciplinary course load with ranging from Computer Science to French. More than that, he’s juggling his role as co-chairman of StarterHacks and host of the podcast, “What’s Up, Waterloo?”. His active, passionate involvement in content production truly cements his identity as the ‘student professional’.
Kalil also talks about being a creative content producer for the Now Creative Group in Toronto. He describes it as, “I get between 75-80% control of the output, which is exactly what I want” As a creative, Kalil turns his visions into genuinely engaging content for all his viewers.
As a podcast host himself, Michael Waitze also has a few insights to contribute. They delve deep into recording equipment and comparing differences in production philosophies. Though in the end, both of them settle on a universal truth: content is king.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Were there only twelve students in your high school graduating class? What about representing your own country twice at the highest level of high school debate? These are only a few bits of what makes Nichanun (Nat) Puapattanakajorn‘s experience so captivating.
It goes without saying that she is highly accomplished, having won awards for both her academics and debate skills. Nat says the pressure to perform is mostly from herself. “I’m my own tiger mom,” she says. Yet this spirit is what drives her to perform better, to create a reputation that Thailand’s future debaters can look up to, and put her country on the global stage.
At the Anglo Singapore International School, she has had the unique experience of learning economics one-on-one with her teacher. There, she decided that this small-school learning style suited her best. She also knew that she didn’t want to devote all her time to a single subject, but instead to explore knowledge across many domains. Both these factors guided her university search towards the US’s liberal arts colleges.
Now, at the University of Pennsylvania, Nat has been able to explore myriad opportunities and extracurriculars, more than she had ever seen. She has signed up for Penn’s elective class “Desire and Demand”, where students eat food and write essays about it. She’s started to try weird things she never thought were possible, and saw many others do the same. Her college journey is just beginning…
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Panuvat (Todd) Chutichetpong invents at the intersection of disciplines. On this episode of globeChang(e), he shares his path as a researcher and inventor, and the freshman experience at Harvard University.
Todd describes himself as, “a changed person with every new project”. One of his early inventions while a freshman at Ruamrudee International School was an ironing board that recycles waste heat into electricity. Afterwards, he moved on to biotechnology, successfully researching a low-cost test for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Now, he’s jumping into Data Science and the intersection of technology with liberal arts.
He chose Harvard for its unparalleled resources. The coursework is (unsurprisingly) difficult, but the opportunities are immense. He’s already had the amazing opportunity to take his professor out to a restaurant meal paid for by Harvard. Here, he’s really able to explore anything he wants.
Currently, Todd is pursuing Computer Science and Statistics at Harvard University, where he’s also involved in the Harvard Financial Analyst Club and Harvard Data Ventures. We’re excited to see what he does next.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Tawan (Chittawan) Boonsitanon is a freshman studying Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University. He shares a few thoughts about his life story, his transition to college, and some well-structured ideas about the future of supply chain management and how new technologies will impact it.
His parents insisted that with life, he was to “make the most of it”. Tawan reflects on how these words, along with their commitment to providing for the best education possible, has shaped who he has become. In eighth grade, he decided to transfer to Concordian International School for the better opportunities available there. He had felt distracted at his previous school and wanted a fresh start.
The transition to Michigan State has had its ups and downs and that maintaining an open mind is important. To Tawan, flexibility, adaptability, and self-awareness are even more crucial. Michael jokingly warns, though, that Michigan winters may prove formidable…regardless of how adaptable Tawan is!
Tawan is always thinking ahead, whether about where he will be in ten years, or how supply chain management will evolve. He definitely has a long term plan…
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Kira Bernhard’s relationship with food is a vitalizing, enriching one. It has also been tumultuous at times. In this episode, she shares a few life stories about her work with food, social media, and future aspirations.
Her blog, Spoonful Delight started off as a way to reconnect with her love for food. Back in high school, Kira recalls how she would stress at the mere sight of food, leading to an eating disorder. She now finds fulfillment in sharing healthy, wholesome food with over 20,000 followers on her blog and Instagrampage.
Kira talks about how authenticity truly makes you stand out in the world of social media. She will only promote the brands that she would use herself, and her followers trust her to do that. “Followers follow you for you,” she says.
Currently, she is interning for a social media company called Good Food Made Simple. The story is a charming one: her boss also ran an Instagram page on meal prep, and they connected by talking about food. She has also met many of her followers in real life through her travels.
After graduating with a degree in biochemistry, Kira is looking to become a registered dietician and hopefully become involved in the health business. One thing is for sure though, and it is that food will be a part of her life wherever she goes.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Ken Lohatepanont’s passion for politics has drawn the attention of major news outlets and even Thailand’s constitution drafting committee. Now, he’s studying political science at the University of California, Berkeley, while continually refining his views. Amidst a volatile political landscape, he and Michael Waitze chat about transitions, writing, and democracy.
After receiving college acceptances, Ken decided that Berkeley fit him best, “It’s the epicenter of public policy research…wanted to experience it for myself.” Initially, he was shocked by the size. Berkeley’s 800-person lectures completely dwarfed KIS International School’s30-strong graduating class. But by “carving out his own neighborhood”, Ken was able to get involved with Berkeley’s student government and create meaningful relationships in college.
The two spend a bit of time discussing democracy and what makes it sustainable. Many concepts surface such as acting in good faith, the polarization of society, and barriers to a thriving democracy. Ken discusses how his views have changed compared to when he was still in high school. He’s now a firm believer in the long-term sustainability of democracy in Thailand.
To further engage with politics, Ken also writes on his blog, kenlwrites.com. They discuss how writing can have a significant impact, especially during times of political crisis. Ken describes his mission as, “promoting political literacy, and countering misinformation.” His next project? A series on Thailand’s political crises from the late 90’s.
Michael wraps up with some life advice for large institutions and by extension, the real world: “You have to stand up and ask for it. ‘I want to do that.’ If you want something, you have to go get it.“
Ken agrees.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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Sophomore Varisa Limpijankitreflects on her college application experience and transition to Tufts University. Michael Waitze recalls a few stories of his own. The two sit down together to share common, yet unique experiences.
The college application process brought Varisa’s whole class together. At the International School of Bangkok, those who never talked before helped revise essays and provide emotional support in times of need. She reflects, “we really depended on each other.” Michael shares a small anecdote about his own bumpy SAT day story.
Varisa offers a bit of advice for current applicants: put your health first; applications don’t define who you are, even if it’s difficult in the moment to realize that; “You are so much more than that one acceptance letter.” Know that wherever you go, you’ll thrive.
What about once you get to college? Both agree that it’s important to keep in touch with your core group of friends. Varisa describes how she keeps in contact with her ISB friends, and the Tufts Thai club where she has found a home on foreign soil. Michael shares how a friend drove a long way to meet him, forging a deeper bond between the two. To them, this is how friendships are made to last forever, from high school to college and beyond.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
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For Madison Frye, “moving is the norm”. She spends a cool half-hour with Michael Waitze discussing her global life journey. Madison has lived in four cities: Montreal, Kobe, Tokyo and Bangkok, where she attended Bangkok Patana School. She is currently studying Biomedical Engineering at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She finds that when you are always expecting change, the adjustment process becomes easier.
At Brown, with its open curriculum, Madison is able to pursue her many academic interests. She is currently looking to study Biomedical Engineering. Having not taken Physics or Higher Level Math in high school, she fully accepts her under-preparedness. This has not stopped her from taking an active learning approach to succeed in her studies. Madison is also considering a minor in design… She’s decisive on being undecided.
Madison has been fearless in exploring new knowledge and its applications. She has co-founded Kazari, a minimalist apparel startup that uses sustainable materials. She is also applying her biomedical engineering knowledge at Koi Prosthetics to develop low-cost prosthetics for South East Asia. She states confidently, “I don’t like to set a list of no’s, but just give everything a go.” There’s nothing she won’t try, and that is how she takes advantage of all that the world has to offer.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections
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As the fall semester begins, University of Waterloo second-year Kalil Magtoto and Michael Waitze sit down to reflect on what it means to move high schools, study in the IB program, and define yourself…
Moving to NIST International School in 2015, “I came in with all that huff-and-puff pride.” Kalil suddenly joins a new community of talented future world-changers, learning more about himself in the process. He finds trouble with academics, and struggles between his dwindling passion for mathematics and growing interest in the arts. For a while, he felt like he was struggling alone.
However, change leads to adaptation. Kalil discusses how recognizing his family’s unspoken trust and empathy has allowed him to make better subject choices for himself. Despite others’ expectations and personal fears, Kalil wholeheartedly embraces his love for film and creative content.
Diversity and learning are also key themes in Kalil’s adolescent growth. His journey exposed him to differences in culture, in people, in notions of “smartness”. The two analyze the International Baccalaureate program, and how it challenges you to learn what you truly need to know.
Finally, Kalil describes how at UWaterloo, he meets brilliant people who think in fundamentally different ways. Broadened perspectives push him to embrace differences, meet new people, and continually refine his own viewpoints.
Produced by UniGlo in collaboration with Next Step Connections.
