A Heartfelt Reunion in Mexico at the Swiss Embassy

A Heartfelt Reunion at the Swiss Embassy in Mexico

This October, our Principal, Mrs. Woodhouse, embarked on a recruitment trip across South America, visiting Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico. In an unforgettable evening at the Swiss Embassy in Mexico City, our Principal Mrs Woodhouse, Survaliennes and families came together to celebrate Surval Montreux. Mrs. Woodhouse shares her heartfelt experience of this very special event:

  

I have enjoyed an incredible and highly successful week promoting and celebrating our beautiful school around Mexico; so many memorable highlights, including a prestigious and inspiring Surval event at the Swiss Embassy, hosted by Amassador Sr. Piffaretti. I was joined by our Survalienne Ambassadors Amalia Lopez and her Mother along with Vivi and her sister Alexa and their Mother Blanca Izquierdo. It was truly heartwarming and uplifting to welcome so many Surval supporters: new and familiar faces, families, partners, Heads of School, Survaliennes; a truly unforgettable evening, I felt extremely privileged and moved surrounded by such a proud and powerful group of friends of our much-loved School.

Our Survalienne, Vivi Izquierdo (2020, Mexico), reflects on the evening, sharing how Mrs. Woodhouse and fellow Survaliennes opened their hearts about the school’s profound impact on their lives. Vivi’s reflections highlight the lifelong friendships and personal growth nurtured through her Surval experience.

Swiss Ambassador, Pietro Piffaretti, welcomed Surval Montreux into the beautiful Swiss Embassy residence for a lovely evening. Mrs. Woodhouse, alongside the Villarreal family and my own, the Izquierdo family, shared some heartwarming words about Surval Montreux’s long-appreciated relationship with Mexico. After Mr. Pifaretti warmly greeted us all and introduced us to the cultural and business history between Switzerland and Mexico, as well as Switzerland’s distinguished educational level, he handed the stand over to Mrs. Woodhouse and Survaliennes. I gave my own testimony about my time at Surval, seeing it was quite different than any other Surval generation. I was 13 years old when I spent my year abroad as a Foundation Year student at Surval. Halfway through the year, Covid-19 became viral on the local news and soon enough, all over the world. All boarding schools in Switzerland began announcing their indefinite closure and so I began packing my bags to head home. Mrs. Woodhouse, surprised, stopped and reassured me that neither Surval or herself would shut their doors and would rather align to health security measures than force us out during those uncertain times. I shared my experience during Covid-19 lockdown, expressing the care and attention the school has never seemed to loose. 

I recalled a fragment of my graduation speech about 5 years ago… “Surval does not lead you to the right path, but rather encourages you to make your own”, and explained how they never led me to choose the so-called “right way”, but inspired me to build my own way, just as they did during the pandemic. Since my time at Surval, I’ve used a never-ending list of words to describe the school: adventure, excitement, curiosity… but the one I chose to describe my experience was “family”. 

Survaliennes Amalia Villarreal and daughter, Amalia Lopez, also shared their testimony at Surval conveying a heart-felt emotional message on the journey of self-discovery that they both experienced during their time abroad. 

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and anecdote-sharing from former Survaliennes, all about their favourite memories and experiences during their time in Switzerland. Seeing Survaliennes bond reminiscing on skiing for the first time, trying all sorts of cuisines, learning plenty new recipes, traveling through the whole of Europe… I was reminded once again about what being a Survalienne means. Being a Survalienne is being authentic, being brave, and above all, being yourself.” 

Vivi wasn’t the first in her family to experience the magic of Surval—she followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Alexa Aguilar Izquierdo (2016, Mexico), a dedicated Survalienne who returned as a summer camp counselor in 2022. Dive into her reflections from this memorable evening:

I had the privilege of attending a reception at the residence of Mr. Pietro Piffaretti, the Swiss Ambassador to Mexico. I reconnected with Mrs. Patricia Woodhouse and reflected on my unforgettable time at Surval Montreux. It was a significant opportunity to share my experience studying abroad and take part in a discussion about Swiss-Mexican relations. Even 8 years after studying at Surval, the experience continues to leave a lasting impact on me. Being exposed to distinguished Swiss design, engineering, and research institutions like CERN - as well as inspiring Mathematics and Science professors - was a tremendous inspiration that led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am very grateful to be part of Surval's incredible legacy. 

Amalia Lopez (1995, Mexico), a remarkable Survalienne and our dedicated Surval Ambassador, embodies the spirit of Surval in every aspect of her life. Returning each year to teach Jewelry Masterclasses, she attended the evening alongside her mother, Amalia Villarreal (1969, Mexico), and reunited with her fellow Survaliennes from 1995. 

On the 17th of October, the Ambassador of Switzerland in Mexico, Sr. Pietro Piffaretti, and Sra. Rosita Pérez Piffaretti, opened their residence to welcome Surval families, Survaliennes, agents, and friends. We all gathered together to enjoy the afternoon within the Surval spirit. Chef Luc Liebster delighted us with a Swiss-Mexican fusion menu as we shared Surval experiences. Sr. Piffaretti shared insightful words about the importance of education in Switzerland and the opportunities available there. We also heard from Survalienne Dr. Amalia Villarreal from the class of 1972, myself as School Ambassador, and Vivi, who experienced Surval during the pandemic. It was a delightful event that will surely be remembered always.

The heartfelt reunion at the Swiss Embassy was a powerful testament to the enduring bonds formed at Surval Montreux. As Mrs. Woodhouse and the Survaliennes reflected on their journeys, it further solidified the idea that Surval is not just a school but a family that creates powerful stories, transforms futures, nurtures personal growth, and fosters lifelong friendships. Once a Survalienne, always a Survalienne!