“Often we ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.”-Marianne Williamson
At WCS, we believe every child is a reflection of God, uniquely gifted and deeply loved. Our staff strives to provide a safe environment for children to discover and build upon their gifts. Our graduates reflect the diligence of our staff and God’s presence in our school. Each graduate tells a story of transformation and has written about one moment at WCS that has shaped who they are.
Starting today and over the span of the summer, we’ll feature their stories of growth. We’re grateful for the time we’ve spent with the class of 2015 and are in awe of the young adults they’ve become.
Below, you’ll find stories from Sara and Jun.
Sara Kurniadi
Looking back on my 5 years at WCS, I can see I’ve learned how to be merciful and determined.
…
“Thirteen all,” my opponent calls out, getting ready to serve.
“What?!?” I think to myself. She swings her badminton racket around. “WAIT!” I yell, trying to make myself heard over the other players around me. “Isn’t it thirteen-seven?” I ask.
“No, it’s thirteen all… are you ready?” she says impatiently. Sweat trickles down her face.
“Um… okay… yeah,” I mutter. As the game ends thirteen-fifteen for her, I feel anger bubbling up in myself. How could this be possible? I see my opponent walk away and write the score on the sheet. I stand there, my mind swirling with doubt that she had won.
My coach, Mrs. Loberg, walks over. She’s ready to congratulate me. I burst into tears. “I think she cheated. It was thirteen-seven, but she changed the score for herself!” I sob, unable to control my tears.
“It’s okay, she was probably just upset she was losing. Play the next game the way you just did- you were amazing. You were determined and showed mercy.”
…
I’m grateful for this moment when Mrs. Loberg taught me to be merciful and determined.
Jun Seik Kim
Looking back on this year, my first at WCS, I can see I’ve learned lots of English.
In the beginning of the year, I was in ELL class. My ELL teacher was Mr. M. He helped me adapt to my new circumstances. He helped me when I was having a hard time. In ELL class, we listened to KPOP and looked over the most recent Korean news at the beginning of each class. This helped us learn English delightfully.
I’m grateful to all WCS teachers and friends because they helped me adapt myself to new circumstances.