Each of our Scholars has their own story, and it’s our pleasure to get to share one with you. Jorge Bas joined us from La Jolla High School in California, and spent his year learning, leaning into his freedom, and becoming more than he’d thought was possible. We were lucky enough to catch up with him as his journey was coming to a close, and his insights reflect an entire year of growth.

It’s great to catch up with you, Jorge. You’re just one week away from graduation, having traveled through seven regions over the last seven months. Many prospective scholars hear about the Baret year and think it sounds too good to be true. Now that you’ve lived it, how has this experience changed you?

Jorge: I think everyone would agree that you are a different person at the end. You grow enormously by putting yourself in situations you aren't used to and experiencing different cultures. I’ve learned so much just from the speakers Baret brings in from all over the world.

If you had to pick one favorite aspect of the program, what would it be?

Jorge: Without a doubt, the freedom. Whether you're in a public or boarding school, you never have this kind of independence. We have the freedom to explore a new city like Seoul on a whim or take a bus to Jaipur to see a different side of India. In Baret, you aren't chasing grades or trophies. You’re chasing experiences and insights, cutting a path that's all your own.

Speaking of cutting a path, tell us about your end-of-the-year Capstone project.

Jorge: I’m building a prototype for a journaling app. I noticed that most journaling apps are manual and time-consuming. My idea is a text box where you can just type out your day with no structure, and AI interprets that data to sort it into categories and track your habits. It’s a simpler way to get insights into your life that doesn’t really exist on the market yet.

That sounds like it would be especially useful for Scholars like you who are always on the go! Do you have a specific moment from this year that stands out as a "metaphor" for the whole journey?

Jorge: There are so many. I remember a moment during the Amazon Fellowship. I walked to a beach on an island at sunset; there were rainstorms on one side and the sun on the other, and the whole sky turned pink. It was surreal. Another highlight was bungee jumping off Victoria Falls. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but it was the ultimate "taking a leap" moment.

What’s next for you after graduation?

Jorge: I’m headed to Bocconi University to study International Economics and Management. This summer, I’m traveling to Thailand with friends and then starting an internship with a blockchain accelerator. The Baret year has given me the ambition to work hard so that I can keep living a life full of these kinds of global experiences.

What would be your final piece of advice for the next group of scholars?

Jorge: Take advantage of every single opportunity. Attend the morning programs, but then go out and talk to locals, visit the museums, and explore the nightspots. Don’t stay in your room on your phone—your room is only for sleeping. You will never be in this exact situation again, traveling the world with a group of friends who will be your friends for life.

Thank you, Jorge. It’s been a pleasure. Go enjoy your final week!

Jorge: Thanks so much!

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