Alumna Profile: Chong Sue Yen
Qualifications
IGCSE, International Baccalaureate.
Name of University if currently studying
Student, University of Bath
If you are studying at university, tell us about your course/major and why you chose it.
I am currently pursuing a BSc in Architecture, primarily because it resonates with my passion for serving the community, and my interests in the arts, sciences, and sociology, which architecture fully encompasses. I truly believe that architecture plays such an integral role in national development, and impacting the way that people live, and this is something I want to contribute to in the future.
What is your most memorable experience in school?
Throughout my 4 years at Nexus, there were just too many great memories made both in boarding and in school. If I had to pick just one experience, it would be the time that we organised the school’s first ever carnival to raise funds for the Nexus Community, which was a school based charity that aimed to enrich the lives of the Myanmar refugee children by providing them opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom. After months of planning and preparation, it was just amazing to see all our hard work materialise, as we managed to draw in primary and secondary learners, and staff for the fundraising carnival. Just seeing the whole school come together to support a cause that we believed in, made me realise how much we could do with a little bit of effort and sacrifice.
What were your favourite and least favourite subjects in school, and why?
It’s hard to pick just one favourite subject, and there were no subjects that I particularly disliked either, as the teachers always found a way to make every lesson enjoyable and memorable to the learners. Visual Arts was definitely one of my favourites, as we were given the freedom to express different ideas and emotions through our creativity, in any way imaginable. Our Art lessons was the one class that I could truly let go, as there were no rules or boundaries that we were confined to. Another subject I always looked forward to was English, as we were taught to constantly challenge the preconceived ideas about language. Till today, I can never see an advertisement, or watch a movie the same way again, without unconsciously analysing their underlying intentions and themes.
What extracurricular activities did you do?
I was involved in the Student Council as the Treasurer and Events Council advisor, where we acted as the voice of the students. Besides that, I was the Creative Director of the school’s annual Yearbook, and a member of the Secretariat for various Model United Nations conferences, on a national and international level. In addition to that, I play touch rugby, and was also an active member of the Nexus Community fundraising team.
What was the best thing about your school? What important lessons did you learn in your school that have helped you in your life?
At Nexus, we were always challenged to take calculated risks and step out of our comfort zones, be it in extra co-curricular activities, or in the academic rigour. Personally, I was never really an atheletic person, but having joined the Duke of Edinbrugh International Award programme, I was forced to change this perception of myself that I was not good enough for sports. With a little encouragement, I joined the school’s touch rugby team, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to our weekly practices. Sometimes all we need is a little push to take the leap of faith, and looking back now, I would not be in the same position that I am in today if it was not for those tiny decisions made and risks taken.
If you could travel back in time, what is the one thing that you would change when you were a student?
Don’t procrastinate! I think this is an issue that many of us struggle with, not just when you’re a student, but also in the workplace. Truth to be told, I still often fall for the trap of thinking that the deadline isn’t anytime soon, but then again, who doesn’t? Procrastination is the thief of time, so as difficult as it may seem, we have to slowly learn to manage and organise our time well, because though you may think that there are so many things to juggle with when you’re a student, wait till you start being an adult.
What advice would you give to current students of your alma mater?
Be bold. As students, we are sometimes thrown into things that we may not be comfortable with, such as being forced to study a subject you hate, or participate in an activity that scares you, but don’t be afraid of the unknown, and reserve your criticisms, because you will learn a whole lot from experiences like these. Take this time to explore and discover your passions, step out of your comfort zone and it’s okay to go a little bit wild, because you will never get an opportunity like this again, where you’re young, free and have very little responsibilities. Trust me, your student life is probably the best time of your life, so make the fullest of it.