Jacinta and Lucia: Old Friends Reunited in Truro

Jacinta and Lucia grew up together in Mexico City, but three years ago, Lucia and her family relocated to Spain. With both of their mothers having studied overseas, they were eager for their daughters to experience life at a UK boarding school. Now reunited, the two friends are spending a year at Truro School as part of our vibrant community of 3rd Year boarders. Their families carefully researched the right time and place for this adventure, ultimately choosing Truro School for its diverse co-curricular program, the mild South West climate, and the safe, outdoor lifestyle.

We caught up with Jacinta and Lucia to hear how they’re settling in and what they think of their experience so far.

For both girls, boarding has been a rewarding experience. “It’s really lovely talking about home with the other boarders over dinner and sharing funny stories,” Jacinta explains. “I love meeting people from different countries. The other day, I needed to talk to someone, and my mum wasn’t available, so I spoke to Miss JJ instead. My mum was really pleased—I always have people I can turn to, from my friends and form tutor to my housemistress.”

Lucia agrees. “It’s really fun. Everyone is lovely, and there are so many clubs and activities after school and on weekends. I’ve even started life drawing in the art department. I never expected to enjoy it, but it’s been great fun.”

Adjusting to life in a small city has been a change, but a welcome one, “I go into town a lot with my friends,” Lucia says. “At first, my mum was worried about us going out on weekends, but when she googled Truro, she was relieved to see it only has 19,000 inhabitants! Compared to Mexico City and Madrid, it’s tiny and very safe. It’s a calm and friendly place to live.”

Like many boarders, the girls have found creative ways to stay connected with family. “I told my mum I’d write every week, but that hasn’t quite happened!” Jacinta admits. “I do call and text home regularly, though.”

Lucia adds, “My family loves sending me post, and we often exchange postcards—but postage is expensive!”

Both girls have immersed themselves in their studies and discovered new academic passions. “Drama is my favourite subject,” Jacinta enthuses. “The teachers, Mr Oldfield, Miss Hood, and Ms Egar, create an amazing community, and having the Burrell Theatre to perform in is incredible. It helps that I’m naturally dramatic; this is me!”

For Lucia, history has been a standout subject. “My teacher makes the material so engaging. He really brings history to life, and I love his teaching style, it’s so different from home.”

Mornings at Truro School start early. “We wake up at 7am, though I always go back to sleep for at least half an hour,” Jacinta laughs. “Roll call is at 8am, then we head to the dining hall for breakfast, there’s eggs, bacon, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, and bread. We usually meet friends in the library before form time, then the school day begins.”

After school, the girls take part in clubs or relax in the boarding house. “We use the Boarding app to check in, then we can go to our rooms, the common room, or into town. We have to go with a buddy unless we’re in Sixth Form.”

Having a Spanish-speaking community has been a bonus. “If we ever feel homesick, there are always students and staff we can chat with in Spanish,” Jacinta adds.

Weekends offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, “We get up later and have brunch first,” Lucia says. “Then we decide what to do, maybe hang out with friends, go into town for coffee or bubble tea, or do some shopping.” “Sundays are all about boarder activities and there’s something different every week, surfing, ice skating at the Eden Project, yoga, cooking – it’s always fun.”

Both girls have jumped into co-curricular activities. “I joined the cross-country club, which is new for me,” Lucia shares. “It can be cold and muddy, but I really enjoy it.” Jacinta has embraced the drama department, “I go to all the drama clubs! I’ve also started Life Drawing Club, which has been exciting – it’s great fun to draw and paint live models.”

One club they’re eager to try is fencing. “Our friend Clara keeps telling us how amazing it is. She represents the Spanish team and competes internationally against 20-year-olds, she’s incredible!”

A big thank you to Jacinta and Lucia for sharing their experiences with us. It’s great to see how they’ve settled into life at Truro School, making the most of both academic and co-curricular opportunities.