A Term to Remember: Dwayne Reflects on His Journey of Growth and Friendship at Dean Close

Over the Trinity Term, we have had the absolute privilege of welcoming Dwayne, an exchange student from Zimbabwe, into our Dean Close School community. As his time with us comes to a close, Dwayne has written a moving reflection on his journey—from nerves and new beginnings to finding friendship, confidence, and a second home. With his permission, we’re proud to share his words as a tribute to the memories made and the people who made them special:

Finding My Feet

“I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. It honestly feels like I blinked and somehow two weeks turned into two months. When I first arrived here, I was pretty anxious — being from a different country, a different culture, I didn’t know what to expect.

I got here a few days early on purpose, just to settle in, get used to the weather, and try to reacquaint myself with the UK. Even so, as the start of term crept closer, the anxiety really kicked in. Each day brought a new wave of nerves until the morning finally came — time to leave London and head to Dean Close School.

The drive there felt endless. Every mile we covered just made it all feel more real. I stared out the window, half-excited, half-terrified. And then suddenly, we were there. We pulled up to the gates, and I remember thinking: This is it. These gates, this place — it would all play a part in shaping my future.

When I first met Mr. Wilkes, I remember how kind and welcoming he was. He made such an effort to help whenever I needed it — and honestly, it felt like he was just as excited to see me as I was to be there. That meant a lot, especially in those early days when everything felt unfamiliar.”

Settling In

“The first two people I met were Fin and Dmytro. They showed me around Cheltenham like pros. They knew exactly where to go, what to see, and how to make me feel included. Looking back, I’d say they were my first real friends here. With their help, the nervousness I’d been carrying since I arrived started to fade. For the first time, I felt at home — safe, even. But deep down, a bit of anxiety still lingered. Every hour brought me closer to the first day of school, and I just kept hoping I’d make a good first impression.

When morning finally came, I was nervous all over again. Meeting the rest of the school felt like a big step. But then Leo and Chris knocked on my door and took me to my first breakfast at Dean Close. That simple gesture calmed me more than they probably knew. Later, Chris would become a kind of partner-in-crime for me — along with Milan, who added his own spark to our little group.

Breakfast came and went, and I met more people — each one kind, funny, and unique in their own way. I remember thinking: Why was I even so worried? The fear I brought with me from home had completely disappeared. In its place was this quiet happiness. I already felt like I belonged.”

A Second Family

“Gate House was more than just a boarding house — it was like a second family to me. The guys there were all legends in their own way. Each one had their own quirks, personalities, and stories, and together, they created a place I was proud to call home. I’ll never forget Henry — a proper hard worker who somehow became our unofficial barber. He had serious skills with the clippers, even if he wasn’t the biggest fan of the nickname “15” (still no idea why). Then there’s Digby — another hard-working lad — though to this day, I still don’t understand how he played centre.

So many moments will stay with me:

·       My very first cricket training session at Dean Close.

·       Taking my first wicket for the 1st XI.

·       Playing every 1st team match this season.

·       Becoming county discus champion.

·       Meeting new people and making friendships I’ll never forget.

·       That moment George crashed out when people said I bowled faster than him.

There were laughs and stories every day. Chris, always sharing stories about whoever had caught his attention that week. Sam with the absolute worst jokes — so bad they were funny. Tom chatting with Seth and Maxwell at dinner like it was some sort of talent show. Edge, with his wild humour, always managing to crack me up at the worst times. Puddle, reminiscing about his “glory days” in Year 7 like he was a retired pro.

Henry surprised me the most. At first, he came off intimidating, but once I got to know him, he turned out to be one of the kindest guys around — and one of my biggest supporters.
Cai taught me how to step properly and absolutely destroyed me on leg day. Ethan and Joe never missed a chance to joke around when I messed up in practice.
Milan made me feel welcome from day one and always had time for a proper chat — his home felt like mine too.
And Ed, always dropping stories from his time in South Africa and pointing out just how different life is between here and there.

These moments, these people — they shaped my time here. I’m leaving Dean Close not just with memories, but with brothers I’ll remember for life.

If this really is goodbye, then I’m glad I got to say it like this.

What I’ll miss most, without a doubt, are the people.

During my time at Dean Close, I’ve made some great friends — ones I genuinely hope to keep in touch with, no matter where life takes us next. I’ll miss the early morning training sessions with the Gecko boys — those sessions pushed me, helped me improve, and showed me the power of team spirit. I’ll miss the afternoon grind with Mr Higgins, Powles, and Jenkins, who always kept training focused and full of energy. And of course, the cricket lads, 1st and 2nd team, who gave me an authentic taste of how cricket is played in the UK.

As I reflect on my time here, I know I’ll always remember Mr. Swan, my tutor. He was so kind and genuinely helpful throughout everything. He always made the effort to check in on me and ask how I was doing, no matter how busy things got. What really meant a lot to me was how he tried to keep up with every cricket match just because he knew how much it mattered to me. I’m truly grateful for that. He made a difference — and I won’t forget it.

There are so many little moments I’ll carry with me: Joe’s meltdown after the Westonbirt match, Harv’s questionable (but memorable) music choices, Sammy batting like he was in a Test match during T20s, Digby taking his very first wicket, Ben and Noah’s incredible match-winning partnership against Kingswood, and Barn — of all people — running me out on my debut.”

Learning and Growing

“To be honest, there were times I felt like a ghost — quiet, in the background, trying too hard to be noticed instead of just being myself. I kept a part of me hidden; a part I think people would have liked if I’d just let it show.

So, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t be afraid to open up. A simple “hello” or “hi” can change everything. If I hadn’t taken that step, I’d be leaving this place as a shadow of who I was.

But I’m not. I leave Dean Close as someone new — stronger, more open, more me. I’ve had experiences here that I’ll never forget, and friendships that I’ll always carry with me. Even if I didn’t mention you by name, just know: You mattered. You made a difference. And I’m truly grateful.

This is Dwayno, signing off one last time.

Peace out.”