Throughout my years attending UWCSEA since 2014, I would say that during my time here, I have experienced some vast growth and changes within my personality and approach to learning.
Having lived in the UK for 5 years attending a private girls school, as well as previously in the US in a mixed primary school followed by UWCSEA, I have been exposed to many cultures, people, academic style of learning, and other important factors, which have helped shape the person I am today. However despite such change, I would say that I have developed an important cultural awareness that I had not obtained before, especially having come here to UWCSEA in which would by far be the most culturally diverse and accepting school I have attended.
Whilst these past factors have ultimately helped shape and strengthen both my social and learner profile, till this very day I still find myself changing and developing. Here at UWCSEA I have become very passionate about sports and service. These two factors have ultimately brought me many skills and have motivated me in various ways. The competitive aspect of sports drives me to perform at 100%, the teams here offering plenty of opportunities to learn and play in competitive surroundings. Individual sport such as running and track also helps me focus individually, and set myself realistic goals, in which I take pleasure in pursuing once I reach achievements. Unlike my previous schools, never have I been so involved in team sports, such as touch rugby. It oxygenates my brain, helping me think of other things than work.
Secondly, another factor that has greatly influenced my learner profile is service. At UWCSEA it is taken into much bigger account than in the previous schools I had attended. It is here that I learnt the value and great importance of helping others in need. Having been on the Epic Arts and Moving Mountains trip, these trips have most definitely been emotional and unforgettable. Working with children of different abilities, or those in great poverty with less advantages, I have developed an awareness and sense of gratefulness for what I have. Being so privileged here in Singapore, it has given me the incentive to make changes elsewhere and help those in need. I am sure that, for the rest of my time here at UWCSEA, service will continue to undoubtedly play a big part as my extracurricular activities here and will continue to drive and passion me to make changes for the better across the world.
Regarding academics, I have set myself high standards and expectations, as naturally I find myself very keen and striving to do well in all my subjects. Across the year, I have set goals to sustain my hard work and efforts in all subjects. Some of the most significant changes I have seen are through math and science. I never took great interest in maths and found it quite difficult- therefore, this did not strongly motivate me to try or to enjoy the subject. However, as I started to gain confidence in the smaller extended class, and started practicing regularly, I started to notice changes in my work and understanding. This appeared surprising as I had never found that I properly understood maths, but until this point, I felt confident enough to do tests or exams with minimal stress of worry of misunderstanding something.
Secondly, I feel I have seen vast improvements in science. I would not say that I have struggled in this subject, however my interest in it has strongly grew and hence I feel this has driven me to work harder. Throughout the most part of the year, I have maintained consistency throughout my grades, whilst knowing a “number” should not hold such significance, and also have understood the key concepts learnt, clarifying for doubts when needed. I am happy to see my improvements in science, as comparing to the previous years, I had never been so intrigued or interested into the subject. I am satisfied with the progress I have made in this subject, and look forward to learning more about it.
To conclude, I would say that overall this year has gone very well, despite the moments of high intensity and stress I have experienced upon work, tests or assignments, as well as sports competitions I am proud to have endured through it, sustaining a focused and positive mindset. Regarding my future plans, I do not plan on anything majoritative, however I hope to pursue my passions and interests, especially in IB where I look forward to take more advancement and further interest into some of my favourite subjects such as geography or, environmental sciences. Regarding grade 10, I hope I will continue to sustain a positive state of mind and continue to work hard and efficiently, in hope of getting good outcomes.