Have you ever felt like drowning at sea, gasping for air, struggling to keep your head above water?  That was my feeling before I found my way to VERSO International School. My name is Proudy (Proudratana Chiawchanpanitkij and I am 15 years old. 

This is the story of how I transformed from a struggling student, drowning in self-doubt, to a proud VERSO Ambassador, confident in my ability to lead my own journey and inspire others to do the same.

Before joining VERSO, I felt school was a cold and dreadful place. I would sit in the darkest corner of the classroom, desperately counting down the minutes until I could escape. Homework felt like a mountain crushing down on my head, each assignment a reminder of my inability to keep up with my peers. I felt suffocated and exhausted, trapped in a cycle of suffering. The poor grades that filled my report card ripped away my self-esteem, leaving me lost in a sea of hopelessness.

Fortunately in 2020, VERSO happened. With its innovative learning approach, the school was a breath of fresh air. Instead of rote memorization and endless exams, VERSO embraced creativity, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving. At first, I was  afraid. I was so used to being wrong that I preferred to remain silent and invisible, hiding behind my fear of failure. 

Slowly but surely, VERSO's supportive environment began to pull away at my fears.  It instilled in me the empowering belief that "school is a safe place to fail."  It was okay to stumble and fall if you dared to get back up. This realization became a life-changing turning point that allowed me to embrace the challenges that came my way. 

VERSO's supportive education encourages us to 'Try Everything' and embrace the freedom to experiment, learn, and grow. Even a wobbly raft taught me that it's okay to stumble – as long as we have each other to help us get back up.

"In my second year, VERSO's design thinking framework became my guiding light. As I learn to tackle challenges and bring my ideas to life, I discovered my hidden talent for problem-solving."

-PROUDY, G9

In my second year, VERSO's design thinking framework became my guiding light, brightening a path I hadn't known existed. As I learned to tackle challenges and bring my ideas to life, I discovered my hidden talent for problem-solving. More importantly, under VERSO's nurturing guidance, I found my voice, once silenced by fear. I was no longer a passive viewer; I became an active player, eager to share my insights and contribute to the world. 

In my third year at VERSO, during my Middle Loop's iExplore class, I discovered the profound impact of asking great questions. I learned that success often hinges on the quality of our questions and that well-crafted questions can unlock a world of possibilities. My initial driving question was, "How can I create a successful product from our hemp farm to support our community enterprise?"

I faced unexpected challenges due to regulatory changes, which meant our hemp products could no longer be sold.  Instead of giving up, I pivoted my driving question to, "How can I create a high-quality beauty product that makes our customers healthier and more beautiful?"  Using the knowledge and lessons I've accumulated, I developed the "Shiny Star" soap.  At this point, I learned that success is not a destination but the ability to navigate through challenges. Despite unexpected obstacles, we can achieve anything with adaptive questions and the power of thoughtful problem-solving. 

After refining my driving question, I tirelessly developed a soap aligned with my new goals. This resulted in the successful prototype "Shiny Star," which I'm now planning to take to the next steps, i.e., package design, manufacture, and marketing.

My time at VERSO has been nothing short of transformative. VERSO didn't just teach me facts and figures; it taught me how to think critically, embrace challenges, and believe in myself.  In the fast-paced development of AI, many human jobs and skills will soon become outdated. However, the ability to ask insightful questions, solve complex problems, and empathize with others will always be invaluable. VERSO has equipped me with these skills at an early age, giving me the time to master them and tackle an ever-changing world.

"VERSO has shown me that anything is possible with the right mindset and support system. From my initial place of insecurity and fear, I have now blossomed into a confident VERSO Ambassador, ready to conquer any challenges and inspire others to do the same."

-PROUDY, G9

VERSO teaches us that asking questions and thinking critically to understand people's needs are the keys of VERSO’s future-ready solution.

If you're a parent concerned that VERSO's approach might not provide your child with enough traditional knowledge, that's understandable. However, as a VERSO learner, I can attest that our education empowers us with essential thinking and communication skills vital for success today. Here, we focus on something other than memorizing answers; we learn how to design questions that lead to desirable answers.  We learn not only to acquire knowledge for passing exams but also to apply it to pass the insensitive tests of life.

To my fellow VERSO explorers, be bold, be curious, and seize the extraordinary opportunities around you.  Let your creativity flourish as you explore new possibilities. Don't let fear hold you back. At VERSO, we are the designers of our futures. Each question and idea we explore propel us closer to our full potential. So, let's embrace this journey, ignite our passions, and create a future as bright as we are. 

VERSO's innovative education taught me to love myself and empathize with others. It has increased my curiosity and enhanced my problem-solving skills. I feel fortunate that VERSO has changed my life and helped me shine brighter.

VERSO has shown me that anything is possible with the right mindset and support system. From my initial place of insecurity and fear, I have now blossomed into a confident VERSO Ambassador, ready to conquer any challenges and inspire others to do the same.  If you're feeling lost and unsure, know that a transformative experience like mine is within reach. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the unknown and forge your path to success.  Here At VERSO, the future successes are designed today!

"My time at VERSO has been nothing short of transformative. VERSO didn't just teach me facts and figures; it taught me how to think critically, embrace challenges, and believe in myself. VERSO has equipped me with these skills at an early age, giving me the time to master them and tackle an ever-changing world."

-PROUDY, G9

That's me, in the center above, dancing at the Winter Fest 2023 and with my basketball team below (third from left) and Coach Chad.

VERSO ignited my passion and boosted my self-esteem. Opening the doors for endless possibilities. Now, as a VERSO Ambassador, I'm proof that when you dare to dream big, the world will shine its spotlight on you. In the words of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "What does not kill you makes you stronger." 

At VERSO, I didn't just survive; I thrived and shined And so can you. 

This article was written by Proud, now a rising G10 learner, who was awarded the Ambassador Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year.