Have you ever gazed at the night sky, pondered the vastness of the cosmos, and wondered about your place within it? Or perhaps you've questioned the nature of consciousness itself, the very essence of your being. If so, then you've already taken a step into the realm of metaphysics. Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy as old as time itself, delves into the fundamental questions of existence. It seeks to understand the nature of reality, the mind, and the universe. Unlike the tangible world of physics, which explores the "how," metaphysics probes the deeper "why." It's a pursuit that has captivated thinkers for millennia, from the ancient Greeks to modern-day philosophers. I, for one, am utterly enthralled by this intellectual journey. Inspired by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus, I've ventured into the mystical depths of Orthodox metaphysics. Thinkers like Vladimir Lossky, with their profound insights into being, consciousness, and the divine, have challenged my understanding of reality and opened my eyes to a world beyond the physical. While AS-Level Physics may offer a rigorous exploration of the physical world, metaphysics provides a truly mind-bending experience. It's a journey into the unknown, a quest for ultimate truth. It's a subject that forces us to question our assumptions, challenge our beliefs, and embrace the mystery of existence. So, the next time you find yourself lost in thought, contemplating the nature of reality, remember that you're engaging in a timeless philosophical pursuit. Embrace the wonder, question everything, and let your mind wander through the infinite possibilities of the metaphysical realm.
Hello, my name is Rebecca Mekdem, and I am currently 17 years old. My journey at Flipper International School began in 2016 when I joined in the fifth grade. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that have shaped my educational path and personal growth. One of my most cherished experiences at Flipper was being a founding member of the Mary Joy Charity Club in the sixth grade. Along with my classmates, I helped establish the club and served as the teacher's representative and vice chairman. I participated in numerous fundraising activities both within and outside the school, which not only enriched my experience but also played a significant role in my college application. In seventh grade, I ran for student council secretary and joined the newsletter club. These roles allowed me to develop leadership skills and showcase my long-term involvement in school activities, further strengthening my college application. My interest in medicine led me to shadow at a hospital for 120 hours, an experience that was invaluable. I included a recommendation letter from this experience in my application to bolster my credentials. My motivation to pursue a high-quality education and experience diverse cultures led me to apply to Constructor University in Bremen, Germany. I was fortunate to receive both a scholarship and a tuition deferral, leaving me responsible for only 15-20% of the expenses. I discovered the scholarship opportunity through family ties; my older brother attended the same university. The application process was smooth, particularly because I attended a university-hosted conference that explained all the necessary procedures. One challenge was ensuring all documentation was correctly prepared and submitted. The university's webinars and conferences provided clear guidance, and whenever I had additional questions, I would email the university and receive prompt instructions, which helped greatly. To prepare for my application, I took courses relevant to the field of medicine and actively participated in extracurricular activities. I meticulously read through the university website to ensure I met all the requirements for the course and directly contacted the university whenever I was uncertain. I received immense support from my parents throughout the entire process. My teachers wrote recommendation letters on my behalf and allowed me to list them as references for my CV. Additionally, the school and our college counselor provided all the necessary documents for my application. As I embark on this new journey at Constructor University, I expect to gain a high-quality education, experience new cultures, and develop a new perspective. My goals include completing my courses, expanding my social and professional network, and becoming a doctor in six years. I am most excited about meeting people from diverse backgrounds, experiencing a new culture, and all the opportunities to come. I plan to learn the language and actively participate in community and university events. This scholarship will provide me with the education and experiences necessary to excel in my future career and contribute positively to my personal growth. I hope to use the knowledge and skills I gain to give back to my community, particularly in the field of medicine. By the end of my scholarship program, I hope to have a solid foundation in my field of study and to have made meaningful connections that will aid in my future endeavors. For those aspiring to follow a similar path, I advise being proactive in seeking opportunities, staying organized throughout the application process, and not hesitating to ask for help-whether from parents, the school, or the university they wish to apply to. Take time to figure out what you truly want, seek guidance from those with experience, and create your own opportunities. Explore different courses and fields of work early on, as you're often expected to decide on a career path by the ninth or tenth grade. For example, if you're interested in medicine, you'll need to focus on Biology and Chemistry, along with either Physics or Math, during your eleventh and twelfth grades. Choose carefully and experiment early to find what truly interests you. Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires and encourages you to pursue your dreams with determination and diligence.
The Cambridge Schools Conference, held on 6 and 7 July 2024 at The Perse School in Cambridge, UK, brought together educators and leaders to explore the theme "Effective Communication: From Competence to Confidence." This significant event featured dynamic keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and engaging breakout sessions, attracting over 400 participants from more than 350 schools across 61 countries. Flipper International School (FIS) from Ethiopia was honored to be one of the only two schools from the country to attend this prestigious gathering. The delegate from FIS had an enriching experience, gaining a deeper understanding of the education sector in its different dimensions. The opportunity to meet the Cambridge team members responsible for the school's partnership in person will undoubtedly ease future communications with Cambridge. Moreover, the exploration of resources available at Cambridge promises to benefit both teachers and students at our school. A key takeaway from the conference was the unwavering commitment of educators from around the world to continually improve and deliver the best for their students. As a school, we are particularly impressed by the depth of thought and dedication of the professionals at Cambridge, who are committed to crafting curricula that will help shape a preferred future world. The conference served as an inspiration to review the management practices at FIS for optimal outcomes. The school's foundation is well-suited for progressive improvement through the use of the Cambridge Curriculum. Additionally, valuable networks were established with similar schools in Africa and Asia, paving the way for future mutually beneficial engagements. Following the ultimate goal of the communication process, a critical factor in the success of young people in schools is their ability to communicate effectively, both in speaking and listening. In a world where experiences and solutions to challenges are increasingly shared, and where technological developments rapidly evolve the tools we use, effective communication is more important than ever. As educators, we can help Cambridge learners develop their communication skills so that they can use language creatively and effectively, both in speech and writing, listen and respond to the ideas of others to engage in meaningful dialogue, think critically and understand a range of perspectives, develop their own ideas with confidence, and respond to new opportunities in a changing world. We can also help students become aware of the different ways language can be used and how it shapes our thoughts, identities, and feelings about ourselves. By understanding the power of communication to inform, entertain, and connect with others, students can be better prepared for the future. Attending the Cambridge Schools Conference was a transformative experience for our school. The insights and inspirations gained from the event will be shared with the management team and teachers, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and excellence. The conference underscored the importance of effective communication and reaffirmed the school's commitment to using the Cambridge Curriculum to guide its students towards a bright and promising future. The Cambridge Schools Conference is renowned for its commitment to advancing educational practices through collaboration and innovation. The Perse School, with its rich heritage and modern facilities, provided an inspiring setting for this year's event. The theme of effective communication resonated deeply, addressing a crucial skill set necessary for both educators and students in today's rapidly evolving world. Flipper's participation highlighted its dedication to educational excellence and its proactive approach to global learning trends. As one of the only two Ethiopian schools attending, Flipper had the opportunity to share its unique experiences and insights, contributing to the diverse dialogue on communication competencies. As a school, we actively participated in various sessions, sharing our strategies for fostering effective communication within the school community. The school’s involvement not only showcased our achievements but also provided a platform to discuss the specific challenges and opportunities faced by educators in Ethiopia.