As the curtains parted the girls, prepared to lip sync and dance their way through a Disney melody at the annual boarding talent show. With synchronized movements and expertly timed expressions, they brought the magic of beloved classics to life on stage. The audience’s cheers fueled their enthusiasm as they danced through familiar tunes, transporting everyone to enchanting realms. Their hand painted custom shirts not only unified them visually but also symbolized the dedication and teamwork that fueled their performance, making the magic of Disney come alive on stage.

Lots of love,

Aida & Yewande

The girls had their official graduation photoshoot on Wednesday. As the house parent of these incredible young, witnessing their official graduation photo session filled me with a mix of pride and nostalgia. From their tentative beginnings to this moment of radiance and promise, I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow, supporting each other through challenges, and forming bonds that will endure. As they posed for their photos, I was reminded of the countless memories we’ve shared within the LY7 walls – the laughter, the tears, and the quiet moments of reflection. Though saddened by the thought of bidding them farewell, I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me and the enduring connections we’ve forged.

As they stepped away from the camera, poised to embrace their futures, I was filled with hope for the adventures that lie ahead. May they carry with them the resilience, compassion, and love they’ve cultivated during their time here. And while they venture into the world beyond, they’ll always have a home in the hearts of those who’ve journeyed alongside them.

Lots of love,

Aida & Yewande

In the cozy confines of the LY7, Marusya, Melissa, Gabi, and Gia decided to inject some liveliness into their evening by hosting an impromptu karaoke session. With makeshift microphones in hand and a playlist filled with classics, they transformed the common area into their own private stage. Martina, though a reluctant participant in the background, found herself amused by the exuberance of her housemates’ performances. As each belted out tunes with varying degrees of skill and enthusiasm, laughter filled the room, creating a harmonious blend of camaraderie and merriment. Long after the music stopped, the echoes of their karaoke chaos lingered, a testament to their epic night of off-key fun.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

In a touching display of affection, Gabi, Gia and Melissa surprised Marusya upon her return home after passing the Swiss Maturité exams. With a freshly baked tart, balloons, and her favorite snacks laid out, Marusya felt overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness.

In celebrating Marusya’s success, we celebrate the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of coming together to lift each other up. And as we raise our glasses to toast to her accomplishments, let us also raise our hearts in gratitude for the bonds that unite us and the joy that fills our lives.

Welcome home, Marusya. Your journey may have been long and challenging, but with friends like these, the destination is always worth it. Here’s to your success, and here’s to the beautiful journey that lies ahead. Cheers!

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

February break is here! Time to unwind, recharge, and indulge in some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Enjoy every moment, recharge your batteries, and return refreshed for what lies ahead!

Lots of love,

Aida & Yewande

At our boarding house, nestled within a diverse community of individuals from various corners of the globe, we recently engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on what global citizenship truly means to us. The insights we gathered were as enlightening as they were inspiring.

Taking care of the world emerged as a cornerstone of our understanding. Beyond geographical boundaries, we recognized our shared responsibility to nurture and preserve our planet for future generations. Whether through sustainable practices or advocating for environmental stewardship, embracing global citizenship compels us to safeguard the precious resources of our Earth.

Internationalism resonated deeply within our dialogue, reflecting a commitment to fostering connections beyond national identities. We celebrated the richness of diversity, acknowledging that our differences serve as catalysts for growth and understanding. Through embracing internationalism, we cultivate empathy and forge bonds that transcend borders, bridging divides with compassion and curiosity.

Open-mindedness emerged as a guiding principle, essential for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. As global citizens, we embrace diverse perspectives, challenging our own preconceptions and embracing the beauty of cultural exchange.

In the end we settled for this as our definition of global citizenship.

Lots of love,

Aida & Yewande

Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, chocolates, and roses exchanged between partners. However, within the cozy confines of our boarding community, this day takes on a unique and heartwarming twist. Far from family and hometowns, boarding house residents come together to celebrate love in all its forms – friendship, camaraderie, and the bonds that make their shared space feel like home.

In the dining hall, dinner is a delightful affair. Tables are adorned with heart-shaped treats and roses. Residents exchange roses, cards and small gifts, expressing gratitude for the support and companionship they’ve found within these walls. Laughter and chatter fill the room as stories are shared and memories are made.

Valentine’s Day in boarding may not always involve grand gestures or extravagant displays of affection, but it’s a celebration nonetheless – a celebration of the love and friendship that make this place feel like home.

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, excitement fills the air with anticipation and joy. This vibrant celebration, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is observed by millions around the world. Families gather to honor age-old customs, from cleaning their homes to prepare for good fortune to savoring traditional dishes bursting with symbolic meaning.

The Year of the Dragon heralds a sense of renewal and optimism, as vibrant red decorations adorn doorways and lanterns light up the night sky. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones to embrace the promise of a fresh start.

I will leave you with the legend behind the red decorations.

Today, we wrapped up our exploration of the third pillar, which centers on cultivating positive relationships. We reflected on our progress and shared insights gained throughout our journey. Our discussion delved into the topic of microaggressions, and we explored feedback received. The girls and I thoroughly enjoyed preparing for and presenting this pillar. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and hope they found the experience rewarding.

Gia turned 18 yesterday. May each day bring you closer to your dreams and be a celebration of the amazing person you are becoming. Cheers to the journey ahead! 🎉🎂

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande