Verenice’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She has navigated the classrooms of international schools in China, Germany, France and South Africa and each experience shaping her worldview and igniting a passion for understanding people. It was at school where she first discovered the power of leadership—both on and off the field.
“Moving to various countries around the world when I was young felt almost second nature to me, however it did come with its challenges. When I moved to South Africa, I experienced various culture shocks, such as language, food and customs. Through my school I learned about South African cultural values such as “ubuntu” meaning “humanity to others”. After five years there; through friendships and personal cultural experiences, what once felt foreign became familiar” explains Verenice.
When asked to define her culture, Verenice find it difficult to put into words. “For many, culture is fixed - shaped by the memories and experiences of a single place. But for someone like me, who has moved across different countries, I cannot attribute my identity to just one culture. I have lived in South Africa, France, and partly in Germany for most of my life, yet I do not fully belong to any one of them. My experiences have been eye-opening, allowing me to connect with people from all over the world, but they have also left me without a single cultural home. Instead, I relate to aspects of various cultures, though I will never belong to just one, nor can I claim any single cultural identity as my own.”
As captain of her MIS girls’ football team, Verenice thrived in a role that required more than just athletic skill. She ensured every teammate felt valued, encouraged them to push their limits, and fostered a supportive space where girls could break barriers in a male-dominated sport. But her leadership wasn’t confined to the field.
Outside of school, Verenice dedicated her time to tutoring children at a local refugee center in Starnberg. She knew that knowledge wasn’t just about books—it was about confidence, about feeling like you belong. One young girl in particular reminded Verenice why she was doing this. Shy and hesitant at first, the girl struggled with speaking up. Through patient encouragement, Verenice watched as she slowly found her voice, her self-assurance growing with each passing day. Moments like these reassured Verenice that she was on the right path.
Eager to expand her impact, she plans to volunteer at an orphanage in Takoradi, Ghana, providing care and support to children who need it most. But her plans don’t stop there. Passionate about psychology, Verenice dreams of becoming a therapist, creating safe spaces for people to heal. Already, she has taken small steps toward this goal, using social media to advocate for women’s empowerment, knowing that digital platforms have given many the courage to speak out.
Through every challenge and every lesson, MIS has been the foundation nurturing her spirit. It has taught her that leadership is about service, that strength comes from compassion, and that even the smallest acts of kindness can inspire change. With every step forward, Verenice isn’t just following a path—she’s paving one for others to walk alongside her.
When asked what advice she would give to other young individuals growing up as third-culture kids, Verenice reflected: “Don’t focus on material things—focus on the friendships you build. Home isn’t defined by a single place, but by the relationships you create along the way.”