Cover Mira Rosa Marini giving a graduation speech at a Moving Up Ceremony at TASIS boarding school (Photo: TASIS)
Mira Rosa Marini giving a graduation speech at a Moving Up Ceremony at TASIS boarding school (Photo: TASIS)
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Elizabeth Marini and Mira Rosa Marini share parent-child perspectives of life at TASIS, the American boarding school in Switzerland that shaped a confident young woman
Mira Rosa Marini began her education journey abroad at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) in the autumn of 2018, entering the 8th grade. Established in 1956, TASIS is the oldest American boarding school in Europe committed to creating global citizens. For Elizabeth Marini, vice president of Marini’s Group and mother of Mira, the choice of school for her daughter came down to nurturing her identity. “Modesto, Mira and I decided that we wanted a place where she could connect to her Italian roots and still benefit from a multicultural perspective in her day-to-day learning and life encounters.”
TASIS is based in Lugano, Switzerland, the largest city outside Italy to recognise Italian as the official language. Unsurprisingly, half of the TASIS student body is Italian. “We visited one summer and fell in love with the school and the town. TASIS has more than 60 nationalities represented among students, even if Mira was the only Malaysian child there.” Another factor that sealed the deal for Elizabeth and Mira was the boarding conditions. “The boarding rooms are less congested than those in schools in the United Kingdom, with two students per room. It was perfect.”
Above Honours literature class at the Olympic Stadium of Athens (Mira third from right)
Honours literature class at the Olympic Stadium of Athens (Mira third from right)
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As a parent, Elizabeth feels that boarding school nurtured Mira to grow into a confident young woman. “She sings on stage in front of her school and plays the piano with passion. It’s a complete turnaround from when she wanted to quit playing when she lived in KL. Her music and drama teachers have been so encouraging in shaping her to become a wonderful performer. The experience has brought out so much light in her,” the proud mother shares.
Read more: How to choose the right boarding school for your kids
Elizabeth advises parents considering boarding school to take the time to understand their children as individuals and invest time in doing research. “Sometimes, we as parents forget that our kids have emotional needs too as we get caught up in the race, trying to secure the best for them. I often remind myself to release my projections of what I want her to become and instead allow her to be the person she envisions for herself.”
Now a graduate of TASIS, Mira joins in the conversation to share firsthand anecdotes of her educational experience there.
Above Mira’s dorm room at boarding school
Mira’s dorm room at boarding school
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What were your initial expectations about the school, and how did they compare to your actual experience?
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. Although I knew I would attend boarding school since I was 11, I had expected an English experience. Learning I would go to an American school in Switzerland after heavy exposure to the British curriculum seemed confusing, but I was open to the idea.
My initial fears surrounded how I would live without my parents and travel alone at a young age. I was also apprehensive about socialising after being in the same school all my life. I recall not eating anything on my first day of orientation out of dread, clinging to my mother’s arm. Once I saw my spacious dorm room, my nerves calmed. While I didn’t expect to make friends quickly, I did sit beside a girl named Melis during boarding orientation, who later became my best friend.
See also: Navigating the path to holistic education and allure of UK boarding schools
Above Mira and some of her fellow boarding school friends
Mira and some of her fellow boarding school friends
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Did you face cultural or language barriers, and how did you navigate through it?
Many students spoke Italian, which I was initially uncomfortable speaking. However, since TASIS is a predominantly English-speaking school with many international students, I didn’t feel there was much of a language barrier to overcome. Instead, living there helped me embrace my Italian side, something I hardly did while living in Malaysia.
How did you adjust to life in a new country and boarding school environment?
I think I adjusted well to life in boarding school in a new country. There were some hurdles in the beginning while learning to confront new situations, but my “parents away from home” played a big part in my quick assimilation. I was fortunate to have such a comforting and supportive team of people, including high school seniors who volunteered to live in our dorm to help us navigate a new school. I had people to confide in about missing home, and seeing how happy and well-adjusted they were, I knew my experience would also be joyful.
When I joined during middle school, there were many compulsory activities to get to know classmates. You’ll learn in boarding school that the friends you find are the kind that don’t come by often, often united by similar struggles. I always kept an open mind. I never saw leaving Malaysia as abandoning my friends or the other half of my identity, instead, I accepted that I would have a chance to learn about myself and my capacity to adapt.
Above Mira receiving the Torch Award, which recognises one student per grade and highlights their openness and appreciation for cultures different to their own
Mira receiving the Torch Award, which recognises one student per grade and highlights their openness and appreciation for cultures different to their own
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Were there opportunities for personal growth?
Yes, I often say that boarding school is where I learned not just in the classroom, but also through lessons in independence that helped me understand my strengths.
How did attending a boarding school overseas impact your future goals?
Going to boarding school did something to alleviate my fear of the unknown. It taught me that even in a foreign country, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, one can expect to make heartfelt connections. I am more adventurous today in embracing change and fearlessly navigating uncomfortable situations wherever I am.
The scenic views of Lugano Lake and frequent trips to the city park also gave me a newfound love for nature, which inspired me to pursue a degree in agriculture at university. I feel more driven to pursue unfamiliar avenues thanks to my time at TASIS.
Credits
Images: TASIS
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