| Personal Details | |
| Birthday: | September 24, 1981 |
| Birthplace: | Sydney, Australia |
| Residence: | Mooresville, NC |
| Height: | 5' 7.5" |
| Weight: | 150 lbs. |
La Garenne: My Swiss Boarding School Adventure
So, you're thinking about boarding schools in Switzerland? It’s a big deal, right? Like choosing the best flavour of ice cream, but for your whole future! My parents always talked about sending me somewhere special, and after a LOT of searching, we found this amazing place called La Garenne. It's tucked away in a super pretty part of Switzerland, almost like a postcard. When I first visited, it felt like stepping into a cozy, but super exciting, treehouse where everyone knows each other. It's not just a school, it's like… a whole mini-village of friends and teachers who are all trying to figure stuff out together. They have mountains for skiing and lakes for… well, looking at mostly, because they're really cold! It’s definitely one of those "best boarding schools in Switzerland" you hear about, but I wanted to share what it *really* felt like, not just the shiny brochure stuff.
The "Wow" Moments
Okay, so the first thing that hits you is the view. Seriously, every window is like a nature documentary. And the school itself? It's not some super stiff, old castle. It’s more like a collection of cool, modern buildings mixed with some charming old ones, all surrounded by… more nature. It feels alive! Like, you’re not just in a classroom; you're learning about geography by actually *seeing* mountains. And the food? Honestly, way better than my school cafeteria back home. They have things like fondue night, which is basically just melted cheese for dinner, and I’m not complaining!
What really made it feel special, though, were the people. The teachers aren't just teachers; they're like mentors who actually care if you're having a good day or if your homework is stressing you out. I remember one time I was struggling with a science project, and my teacher, Madame Dubois, didn't just tell me the answer. She sat with me, grabbed a whiteboard, and we drew out all these crazy ideas until it clicked. It felt less like a lesson and more like we were solving a puzzle together. And my classmates! We’re from all over the place – Japan, Brazil, Canada, you name it. It’s like having a permanent pen pal club, but you actually get to hang out and share snacks with them. We have these weekend trips, too. One time we went hiking, and I swear I saw a real-life cowbell orchestra. Okay, maybe not an orchestra, but definitely lots of cowbells!
The "Hmm, Maybe Not So Much" Moments
Now, it's not all sunshine and perfectly groomed ski slopes. Boarding school life can be a bit… intense. Sometimes you miss home. Like, *really* miss home. You miss your own bed, your dog (if you have one), and just being able to raid the fridge at 2 AM without anyone knowing. There were definitely nights when I felt a bit lonely, and everyone does, even if they don't always say it. It's like being in a big family, but sometimes you just want to go to your own room and be by yourself, and that's harder when your "room" is also your "home."
And the rules. Oh, the rules. There are rules for everything! Like, when you have to be in your dorms, when the lights go out, even how you should address the staff. It's all for a reason, of course, to keep everyone safe and organized, but sometimes it felt a bit like being in a really fancy, well-behaved prison. You have to learn to be really organised and manage your time, otherwise, you’ll find yourself doing homework at midnight when you’d rather be playing football. And sometimes, with so many different nationalities, communication can be a little tricky. We have English as our main language, which is great, but sometimes someone uses a saying that nobody else understands, and it’s like, "Wait, what did you just say?" It’s funny, but also a bit frustrating sometimes.
So, How Do You Pick "The One"?
Choosing a boarding school is like picking a superpower. You want one that fits you best! Here’s what I’d tell anyone thinking about it:
Step 1: The Big Dream List. Forget about actual schools for a sec. What do YOU want? Do you want to be a future Olympian? A coding wizard? Or just someone who learns to make amazing chocolate? Write down all the cool stuff you want to do and learn. Think about what makes you happy. Do you love being outdoors? Are you a city person? This is YOUR adventure, so dream big!
Step 2: The School Scouting Mission. Now, look at schools that fit your dreams. For Switzerland, there are so many! Some are super academic, like they're training tiny Einsteins. Others are all about sports, with amazing facilities. Some, like La Garenne, try to be a bit of everything. Look at their websites (but don't *just* look at the websites – they're like Instagram for schools, you know?). See what kind of activities they offer. Do they have clubs for your weird hobbies? Do they have art classes? Science labs? Places to just chill?
Step 3: The Visit – The Real Deal! This is super important. If you can, go visit. Walk around. Talk to students (if you can, ask them the "not so good" stuff, too!). How does it *feel*? Does it feel like a place you could actually live and learn for years? Can you picture yourself making friends there? If you can't visit, have video calls with the admissions team and maybe even some current students. Ask lots of questions. Don't be shy! They expect it.
Step 4: The Parent Talk (The Serious Bit). Talk to your parents about what they're looking for, too. What's important to them? Budget is a big one, obviously. But also, what kind of environment do they think would be best for you? Make sure you're both on the same page. It’s a team effort!
Step 5: The Gut Feeling. After all the research and visits, sometimes it just comes down to a feeling. Which school makes your stomach do a little flip of excitement? Which place feels like it could be your home away from home? Trust that feeling. It’s usually pretty smart.
Picking a boarding school is a massive decision, and it’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. But remember, it’s also an amazing opportunity to see the world, learn new things, and meet incredible people. La Garenne was a huge part of my story, and while it wasn’t always perfect, the good parts were pretty spectacular. It’s like learning to ride a bike – a bit wobbly at first, maybe a few scrapes, but then you’re off, exploring new paths!
| Wins | Poles | Indianapolis 500 |
