Profile6th January 2020
Eduardo Estevez graduated two years ago from Ark Globe Academy and is now part of the alumni programme. In this Q and A, he updates us on his experience teaching in Brazil and why he was inspired to study biology.
Eduardo, what have you been doing since you left Ark Globe Academy?
I am currently a second-year biology student at the University of Oxford.
What encouraged you to study biology?
My interest in biology didn’t come about until year 12. I was playing football and someone on my team had a terrible accident and as a result, became a paraplegic. Also, my older brother has epilepsy. These things led me to study the nervous system and how the brain works, and the whole idea and notion of neurology really captivated me.
Tell us about your recent travels?
In September I spent a month in Brazil, in the Amazon rainforest, I was volunteering to teach English in a school. I’m half Columbian and half Spanish and it was amazing to go back to South America, go back to my roots and do something good for the community. Because it was summer – it didn’t really get in the away of my school work. While I was there, I was able to use some of the things I learnt when I was learning English growing up, to help the kids. It opened up my mind to the possibility of going into teaching.
How did Ark Globe Academy prepare you for what you are doing now?
We were given free periods, but we were taught to treat them as learning time. Those free periods taught me how to have a 9 to 5 working day.
What is it like at Oxford?
I have found a good cohort of people – who are from a mix of state and private schools. It has taught me those from state and private school do not conform to stereotypes. There are a lot of people who listen to the same music, have the same kind of banter with each other and have the same vibe as me and others who are from different backgrounds.
Where would you see yourself in five years?
I am very interested in media, which is obviously very different from biology, but I feel like I could use my YouTube channel to inspire people. People have said ‘you have inspired me to apply to Oxford’ and ‘thank you for your advice’. It feels great to give something back to someone who identifies with what you’re doing and who you are.
What advice would you give to current Ark students?
Put in the work now and everything will become easier later. If there is something you really want, then focus on that one thing and everything else will fall into place. Focus on whatever you’re interested in and work hard on it.
Are you an Ark Alumnus and want to share your success? Sign up to the Alumni Community here or contact Alumni Engagement Manager Maia Gibbs on maia.gibbs@arkonline.org.