Barcelona born and raised, Joan Verdet Mallofré ’20, spent 15 years at ASB, starting his learning journey in PK3 when the school was a very different campus than today. Now an undergraduate at The University of Stirling in Scotland studying Marketing and Psychology, Joan is adjusting to living abroad and being “the international surrounded by locals,” an experience that Joan shares is “interesting since it completely flips the perspective I've always had.

“The Scottish accent is a little hard to get used to, but the Scottish people are really friendly, warm, and welcoming,” Joan shared. Although the Covid pandemic has restricted his first year on campus, Joan has met and connected with other students in his residence. “They all think I’m American,” he chuckles. That doesn’t come as a surprise after so many years at ASB.

Reflecting on teachers at ASB, Joan recalls his early year teachers, Ms. Christina, Ms. Meg, and Ms. Ann, all of whom are still teaching at ASB. “They’ve seen me grow up - not only from 90 cm to 1m 95’ but also from playful toddler to a capable individual.” He also mentions the positive interactions he had with his middle school teachers Ms. Lindsay and Ms. Austin, and high school teachers Taylor Bingle and Santi Bragulat. “The staff at ASB are so nice. They make an effort to know who you are and, in the IB, even become more like friends. There is a deep connection that helps make them so approachable, which is essential at what may seem a very stressful moment in life."

Joan shared that he was not the type of student to go for really high grades at ASB, but he would do his best as long as he was satisfied with his results. Subsequently, he didn't tend to stress out as much as his classmates. “I believe it’s important to have control over your time, mental health is essential, and if you’re in control of your studies, you’ll be fine, I don’t doubt that.”

Having grown up and graduated from ASB, now that he is living abroad, Joan has been able to reflect on the benefit of his upbringing. “I was very fortunate to go to school every day in such an international and diverse environment, surrounded by people who bring perspectives, thoughts and opinions that only help grow my own. I only realize that now.”

When asked for one word to describe ASB, he responds, “Home. It'll always be my home.”

Once a Lynx, Always a Lynx
#Lynx4Life #ASBtogether

Contributed: December 2020