I wasn’t in attendance at the second round selection weekend, so the first time I perceived Daniel beyond a voice on a recording was in his “This is Me” video. He was kneading dough while talking about his interests and dreams. I am not quite a baker, but I know that, in order for the dough to rise, you need warmth, a good ratio of the ingredients, and to be patient. It seems to me that Daniel takes on life as a baker would when handling dough.

As a kid, Daniel was shy and reserved. In the last few years, he’s noticed some changes – he started being very open to discussions and stating his mind honestly and with confidence. In order to accomplish that, he found that trying new things and getting out of his comfort zone helped him immensely. He started volunteering – at a children’s hospital, a school for visually impaired people, and many events. These experiences strengthened his sense of urgency to be an active member of his community. Daniel started being more conscious of the lack of information and awareness that people around him had about experiences and things that are not a part of their daily life. He constructively criticised volunteering opportunities that only happen around holidays or when people choose to give, instead of when it’s needed – "Why don’t we show that we care about people year-round?" said Daniel. He does not like it when things are dealt with at a surface-level.

Something that truly helped him develop intellectually were all the debates he participated in through the Youth Education Forum in Skopje. He patiently learned how to look at issues from more than one perspective and how to come up with arguments for stances he does not necessarily agree with. Through this learning process, he researched information on a variety of topics which  has helped him shape and strengthen his personal views. A topic that he has studied which remains important to him is equal access to education. He eloquently explained what causes hurt the development of the education system in other parts of Macedonia, compared to the capital city of Skopje, and gave us examples from systems in other countries from which we could learn a few things.

While paying attention to inequalities around him, Daniel is also dedicated to his personal educational development. Chemistry and biology are his home court, but he wishes to continue building his knowledge in those fields at UWC. He knows exactly which subjects he will take, and he is already thinking about potential higher education and career decisions. In an ideal scenario, Daniel would like to study medicine, and his dream is to become a part of Doctors Without Borders, so that he can offer his time wherever it is needed most. I am sure that he will excel wherever his career path takes him.

On a less serious note – he told me that a lot of his conversations involve this question “You’re going to New Mexico? Have you watched Breaking Bad?”. As a recent fan of the show, I can assure you that Daniel’s experience at UWC USA will look nothing like that plot. At the same time, I am certain that every day and every challenge that this new chapter brings him, will leave him with the same sensation one gets when you just have to watch “only” one more episode. I can write a lot more about Daniel, but I believe that this is enough to capture the sincerity he radiates and dedication he shows. He will bring these qualities to UWC USA and find his place within the community – farewell, Daniel!

Jana Kraleva, July 2025