Hayley Faries is a 17-year-old with the maturity and dedication of a professional and it has been two months since she graduated from Bermuda High School For Girls.

She said her guidance counsellor encouraged her to apply for the UWC programme, but what really attracted her was when an alumni from the programme spoke at BHS about her experiences.

One of the alumni was from Uganda and was appalled at how leftover food was handled by developed Western countries.

"Being from Uganda, she could not understand how we could just leave food on the plates to be thrown away.'' Hayley explained.

The alumni attended Armand Hammer College in New Mexico, the same university Hayley will attend.

"I'd like to go and meet people who have a totally different point of view,'' Hayley said.

"They bring people from all over the world.'' Although ten countries have colleges that students attend, other countries have selection committees that send students abroad.

Hayley spoke briefly about her community service with the hospital's Candy Stripers where she won a proficiency award.

"I have been doing it since I was 14. Sometimes it was hard. Who wants to work on a holiday when all your friends are out?'' she said with a smile.

However much work Hayley had to do, it was apparent she enjoyed herself. She did not sigh or moan throughout the interview but always kept a smile and said how happy she was to go on this programme.

Hayley was also involved in debating and playing the violin for a long time.

In debating, she took part in the National Competition and went abroad to the United States.

She said that her education in violin has probably come to its end.

"I did that forever. I reached fifth level, but I started late with those,'' she said about the grading system.

Hayley was not sure what her career choice is but did mention the sciences -- although she added "definitely nothing to do with research''.

She said she wanted to interact with people and not be stuck behind a microscope.

Other activities Hayley was involved in included the St. Patrick's Church youth group, field hockey, school prefect and managing director of her youth enterprise group that produced candles.

She laughed hard and long, stating: "I never want to see another candle for the rest of my life.'' Hayley clearly excelled at the other activities, travelling to Ohio with the youth group, almost making the national under-21 field hockey team and becoming the big sister to girls in BHS' Year Ten class.

Life's experiences took her to the United Nations in New York where she participated in a model assembly.

Part of the selection process for UWC was an interview with a panel.

"The interview process was hard work -- definitely gruelling. I was so nervous. They really wanted to figure you out.'' For all the hard work and a lifetime of achievement, Hayley said: "I am so happy.''