#3: The ACS(I) Experience - Tried and tested

Be it in traversing through the cacophonous jungle of AC secondary or scaling the surmountable slopes that is IB, each ACSian’s year-long journey brings with it fresh experiences, new friendships, and the occasional unexpected detour. No matter the circumstances in which one may emerge at the end of the year – be it weathered and worn, a sweat-and-tear-soaked diploma in hand or new company in arm, one certainly also leaves with precious lessons learnt and wisdom previously unbeknownst to ones younger self. Hence, this year, as we each stand at the cusp of a new year-long adventure ahead, we would like to offer you a head start in the form of words of advice from experienced senior, to us juniors. The collection below features their best pieces of advice to direct us past fork roads, avoid potential pitfalls, and pick the better path in our journey ahead.

Plan ahead, zoom out, and look up! At risk of sounding like your mother or member of the senior admin, I cannot stress enough how important it is to always plan your schedule ahead of time. Not just having a to-do list, but a when-to-do list. Also remember to schedule in breaks (personal sabbath days) and TREAT YOSELF! There will be times when things seem bleak and you lose your sense of self or direction - it’s not fun, but it’s okay. Take a deep breath and then take a step back to realise that life is more - and you are more - than this moment. No photo makes sense when you’re just staring at a pixel of it, so keep zooming out until you see in high definition the beauty of the world that you’re a part of. And then you can start again. Lastly, lift your eyes to The One who loves you the most. God goes before you and walks beside you. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.” – Bernadette Yeo, Year 8

Firstly, trust in the plan. This might be quite naive, but I always believed that every person, opportunity, success or failure I’ve encountered in my life happens for a reason (partly because every New Year's Day I usually try guessing where I’ll end up at the end of the year and I’m never right). Take things in your stride, and always remember the people that have supported you (and will support you) all the way.

Next, be a good friend, bro or sis. My time in ACS(I) has revealed to me how friends in school weren’t just people to joke around with during recess at the SAC, or bump into in the corridors. Friends don’t have to have similar interests as you, people who give you long “dedi-s” on social media, or people you simply “click” with (if not, it’ll be mostly joking around in the SAC) - look out for loyal friends, supportive friends, trustworthy friends you’d share your thoughts with. I’m incredibly grateful to have had their support during the toughest times of school life, and they’ve influenced me in an unimaginable way (this also makes the good times even sweeter). During times of success, they keep me grounded, and during times of failure, they keep me going. Treasure them, and expect no less of yourself in return. I always believed that the best friends in life are made right here in school, so look out for one another and be the friend that you’d want friends to be.

Next, be a good friend, bro or sis. My time in ACS(I) has revealed to me how friends in school weren’t just people to joke around with during recess at the SAC, or bump into in the corridors. Friends don’t have to have similar interests as you, people who give you long “dedi-s” on social media, or people you simply “click” with (if not, it’ll be mostly joking around in the SAC) - look out for loyal friends, supportive friends, trustworthy friends you’d share your thoughts with. I’m incredibly grateful to have had their support during the toughest times of school life, and they’ve influenced me in an unimaginable way (this also makes the good times even sweeter). During times of success, they keep me grounded, and during times of failure, they keep me going. Treasure them, and expect no less of yourself in return. I always believed that the best friends in life are made right here in school, so look out for one another and be the friend that you’d want friends to be.

Thirdly, manage the expectations. Oftentimes, we'd set ourselves expectations so lofty that they stress us out, or we’d get so lost in the stacks of assignments that our school life/goals get drowned in monotony. I’ve realised that different methods work for different people - some try to relax and have fun during the process, some challenge themselves and remind themselves of that goal every day - there’s no wrong or right answer. For me, big goals tend to stress me out so I break things down - one Physics sub-topic at a time (that adds up to 45 points), one lap down the swimming pool at a time (that adds up to a 7-kilometre morning training session), one project meeting at a time (that adds up to a movement). Experiment, and find what works best for you.

Finally, the little things add up. Take a break between lessons and watch the sunrise from the corridor. Run with a friend during PE. Buy your project group drinks after a meeting. Compare your playlists with your friend’s. Thank your teachers after class. Drop a text to last year’s classmate. Surprise the class chairman. Help your desk-mate out with work. Chat with the pool cafe uncle. Start a class tradition. Spend an entire day at home filing/clearing your desk (I find this very therapeutic). Don’t miss the little things, because school life’s pretty cool after all.

- Kevin Ong, 6.09

People - and fellowship - are the ultimate calling in life, so do your best to make time for them through refining your (a) competencies, so that you'll be in a position to bless others, (b) consideration, so you'll know how to bless others, and (c) character, so that you'll strive to be a blessing. – Tim Ong, Year 7

In terms of settling down in a new school environment, I think I've experienced quite a bit of personal growth. I came into IB expecting to be forced to mature and heighten my social awareness. I hadn't been through major changes before and so after being in my comfort zone for 10 years (MGS from P1 to Sec 4) I was bracing myself for a really steep learning curve. The personal development I thought I'd encounter revolved around meeting different kinds of people, learning how to cope in unfamiliar social situations and making new friends. In hindsight though, it was more a journey of self-discovery. more importantly, I've discovered how disappointingly theoretical the study of socialising is, in that contrary to what I once believed, there is no formula in practice. Knowing yourself though, and knowing where your heart lies, will help connect you to others. You will find people who genuinely interest and invigorate you, conversations that affirm and refine your perspectives, and lasting friendships that will make these 2 years some of the best you'll have. – Sarah Lu, 6.17

Constantly question yourself. Not in a doubtful, harsh way, but in an honest, constructive manner. Place every thought, feeling and decision against the sunlight and ask how it aligns with your purpose on this Earth (get your friends to join you while you're at it!) People are afraid of existentialism - some call it a crisis of sorts- but I say embrace the questions. Think deeply and passionately, for a life of mindfulness -not ignorance- bliss. – Elizabeth Teoh, Year 8

There are several things you must master.

Firstly, know how to make friends- and that also means how not to make enemies.

That's especially when half of your level mates come from the same primary school

Next, know where to draw your confidence from. Draw it from the right places, your sports, your academics, and the people who support you. ACS is a breeding ground for confidence. But to do that you must want to seek it, to discover them as you discover yourself.

Finally, know how to adapt. You will realise that people may be different from what you are accustomed to. Accept them for who they are; come to know them. But at the same time do not lose touch from who you are. Adapting is not only about coming to terms with the people around you; but understanding them, and their various perspectives. Be open minded. – Chew Jay Ee, 6.04

Personally the best advice I have for my juniors would be that regardless of what you choose to pursue as a student, the most important thing is that you have fun doing it. It's good to strive to be CCA and school leaders and to do well in your academics, but at the end of your school journey, the only thing you'd look back upon would be the memories you've forged with your friends and teachers. So above all, no matter what you choose to do, just enjoy yourselves! – Ken Zhang, Year 5

I think it's really easy to get caught up with all your commitments and everything you're trying to chase after, but ultimately it's most important to stay true to yourself and treasure the people around you! Don't get too stressed out and try to enjoy what you do because in the end you'll realise that achievements aside, the memories and experiences you have will matter most. Finally, just have lots of fun in IB amidst the crazy schedule/workload. – Natasha Oh, 6.11

IB is about pursuits. Aside from the obvious academics, it is also a voyage into the realm of relationships. Be it romantic or platonic, adventure or misadventure, Steinbeck offers timeless wisdom: “ The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.” All the best wherever you are. – John Nie, Year 6

#AlyssaLing