“Becoming a refugee is never a choice, but how we respond is.” That was the theme of this year’s Columban Schools Competition, and at St David’s College we are proud to celebrate Adriana, who won second place nationally for her powerful essay exploring the refugee experience, faith, and human dignity through Catholic Social Teaching.
The Columban Schools Competition invites students from across the UK and Ireland to reflect on global issues such as migration, justice, and human dignity using the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Adriana’s essay stood out for its honesty, courage, and thoughtful reflection on the dignity of every person and God’s presence in acts of kindness.
In her essay, Adriana shared her own refugee experience, describing how she left El Salvador at the age of twelve after gang violence made life unsafe for her family. Reflecting on that difficult decision, she wrote:
“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. No one wakes up and decides to leave everything they know behind. No one dreams of becoming a refugee in an unknown country where all feels strange. But when any hope of a future is disappearing, leaving is the only choice to survive. I am aware of this, as my family and I experienced it first-hand.”
Arriving in the UK, Adriana faced many challenges that form part of the refugee experience: adapting to a new language, navigating unfamiliar surroundings, and sometimes feeling invisible or isolated. Yet she also discovered compassion and kindness from those around her:
“There were times I felt invisible and like I didn’t belong anywhere. But every act of compassion from people made me feel seen. I realised that how we respond is a choice… All their actions restored my confidence and reminded me of my worth.”
A key strength of Adriana’s essay in the Columban Schools Competition was her thoughtful engagement with Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the principle of human dignity.
“All human beings have dignity, for each person is made in the image and likeness of God. Dignity does not depend on someone’s nationality, language or qualifications, and it does not disappear when a person becomes a refugee.”
Adriana also explored the principles of solidarity and the preferential option for the poor, central ideas within Catholic Social Teaching that call Christians to care for those most vulnerable in society.
“The preferential option for the poor reminds us that God’s love is universal, and the common good teaches that the gifts of creation belong to everyone and no one should be excluded from them.”
Adriana wishes to thank Dr Tranter for introducing her to the Columban Schools Competition, and Mrs Maldoom for supporting her in developing her essay.
She is also grateful to Mrs Cummins for assisting her mother with Home Office documentation, offering guidance, care, and support that helped her family navigate the challenges often associated with the refugee experience in a new country.
At St David’s College, supporting those seeking safety has long been part of our commitment to the wider community.
We are proud to be a College of Sanctuary, recognising our dedication to creating a place of welcome, belonging, and understanding for those seeking refuge.
Students have also taken part in activities during Refugee Week, including the Pilgrim Walk, fundraising initiatives, and preparing essential supplies for the Trinity Centre to distribute to those in need.
Beyond her success in the Columban Schools Competition, Adriana actively lives out the values of Catholic Social Teaching through social action.
She took part in the college’s Refugee Week activities last year and has also supported the Citizens UK Fair Fares campaign, demonstrating her commitment to justice, solidarity, and the common good.
Reflecting on her journey, Adriana wrote about the power of hope and choice:
“I never chose to become a refugee. But I choose how to respond… by studying hard, helping others, and using my voice to remind people that we are not problems to be solved but people with stories, dreams and dignity. The journey from El Salvador to the UK has taught me that hope is stronger than fear and that the response to suffering is always love.”
Adriana’s success in the Columban Schools Competition highlights the impact young people can have when guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. By sharing her refugee experience, she reminds others of the importance of compassion, dignity, and solidarity.
The college warmly congratulates Adriana on this outstanding national achievement.