Veronika

Veronika

Middle School Student

How long have you been at YIS?

I've been at YIS for 2 years.
 

What are your two favorite subjects, and why do you like them?

I like Physical Education because being active and playing a variety of sports with classmates is really fun. Each person in my class has a special ability in sports, so our teamwork is always great. 

I also enjoy Visual Arts because we get to explore different styles of art and learn new skills using different mediums like paint and markers.

Most importantly we have great teachers in both subjects.
 

What sports or activities outside of class are you involved with, and why do you like them?

I've always been strongly connected to soccer, even before coming to YIS. I can still remember when I tried out for soccer at YIS, it was very exciting. 

Then the Ukraine-Russia war started which I find heartbreaking. It inspired me to get into service learning and I created a new service team called #UkraineNoWar which helps Ukrainian refugees in Poland. 

Luckily I can organize craft sales and be a goalie at the same time.
 

What do you like to do for fun outside of school?

I draw and play the Recorder and Kalimba (an instrument originating from Africa). I also like taking walks and cycling with my Dad which gives me a sense of calm.
 

What do you enjoy most about learning at YIS?

The best thing about learning at YIS is that there are no limits to what you can do. I remember one time in Design class I had no idea what to make for a programming project. A lot of students in my class were thinking of making a computer game or something similar. Eventually I came up with the idea of making a music box. I really like that we get to explore our ideas at YIS.


What is your favorite YIS event of the school year?

My favorite YIS event is definitely Spirit Week. It happens right before our winter break when everyone is hyped for the holidays. It lasts for a week with each day having a different theme that each class gets to choose for themselves. I have good memories of coming to school dressed as a Minion during my Grade 5 Spirit Week.
 

Which teacher would you like to trade places with, and why?

I would like to switch places with my Visual Arts and Spanish teacher Mr. Sebastian Seidel.  I love to get creative with drawing and I feel happy when I do art. I've always wanted to teach a foreign language as well. 
 

What famous person, past or present, would you most like to meet in person, and why?

I would choose to meet Joseph Stalin only because I want to ask him why he was so cruel to the Ukraine and how he could allow the Great Famine of 1932-33. I will never understand how he could treat so many people the way he did.
 

How do you like the Honmoku campus?

I think the Honmoku campus is great. A big turf, cool science equipment, a cozy library and a very nice view. This could be the best school campus design in the world.