HAPPY GRADUATION! class of Ms Louise
W O R D S F R O M O U R F O U N D E R Madam Lim Ean Heow Welcome graduates, parents, teachers, staff, and friends to Graduation 2024. I offer my respect and gratitude to all the dedicated teachers for the care and attention they have given to the education of this cohort. Of course, this year, my husband and I are particularly proud, as our daughter Victoria graduates with her classmates. I offer our heartfelt thanks to you, the steadfast parents, for bringing your children to Jesselton International School. You have had such a great part in enabling us to provide today’s graduates with a strong academic foundation and a well-rounded beginning to their future careers. Congratulations to our young graduates on all your hard work, and my best wishes and hopes for a rich and fulfilling future. Graduates of 2024, build on what you have achieved, go forward, and reach high!
G E N E R A L M A N A G E R ' S M E S S A G E Ms Sydney Keoh Dear graduating Year 11 students, I am so proud and happy to see each and every one of you graduate today. It feels like just yesterday that I first met you all when you were just little kids, and now you have grown up into amazing young adults ready to take on the world. As you get ready to embark on this next chapter of your lives, I want to share with you some useful advice that I have learned over the years. First and foremost, always be true to yourself and follow your passions. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, because that's how you will grow and learn. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to become better and stronger. And never forget to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic towards others. The world can be a tough place, but with kindness and understanding, you can make a positive impact wherever you go. Lastly, always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. You have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to, as long as you put in the hard work and dedication. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future. So go out there and show the world what you are capable of! Good luck, and may you always find success and happiness in all your endeavours. Congratulations, class of 2024!
A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R I N C I P A L Mr Nicholas Haes Here we are together at one of the best moments of the school year! As always, I must thank you, the parents of our graduates. You have accompanied us, with resolve and goodwill, through many changes and I hope your trust in us has been justified. You are the rich and wise earth from whom these children have been lucky enough to grow and mature. Perhaps our young women and men here will not fully realise the depth of care and giving they have received from you until they have children of their own, however; they are a lovely group and I feel very grateful and happy to have been a little part of their educational journey. I know their teachers feel the same, and on behalf of all of us, we recognise and thank them for the care and experience they have imparted over the years, particularly our heads, Ms Neelam, Ms Christine and Ms Siew. Graduates of 2024! I have been blessed through knowing you all: your engagement with your learning, your various characters, your growth, your laughter. You have been a lovely group to have in school. I hope you have enjoyed JIS, I hope you will remember these years fondly, and I hope that you will find that your time here has formed a strong foundation, of ability and determination. Most of all, I hope your lives are rich and fulfilling. But for you, now, Hope is a deceiver. Hope is a thief. Hope offers the warm comfort of a lover, like Delila, masking the footsteps of the arriving soldiers. Alexander Pope tells us, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast:”, but the following line is not as well known; “Man never is, but always to be blest:” That is, it is always happiness tomorrow, but never today. Of course, we cannot do without hope, it expresses our yearnings, and it expresses our fears. At its best, hope is a reservoir from which we may refill our ambition, at its worst, hope replaces action. You who are about to leave us, have so many of our hopes vested in you. We want so much for you; achievement, stability, joy, contentment, and a strong sense of being a worthwhile, valuable part of your world. For you, now is not the time to hope, now is the time to do. Seize the chances you are given; they will never come again. Maybe you will not always succeed, but wasted opportunity brings a deeper pain. If you throw your heart into your path forward, win or lose, you need not suffer regret. Work hard, work smart, keep cheerful, keep laughing, be kind and help others when you can. Farewell!
M E S S A G E S F R O M T H E L E A D E R S H I P T E A M Ms Neelam Kaur Bhabra Academic Operations Manager DearYear 11 Class of 2024, Your time has come! Congratulations and heartfelt commendations to each one of you on this remarkable achievement of graduating from Jesselton International School. You have dedicated yourselves over the past five years, and now you stand ready to embark on the next thrilling chapter of your lives—college, university, and the world of work. The values and work ethic instilled in you at Jesselton International School will serve you well as you step into your future. Future employers seek individuals who set high standards for themselves, are eager to learn and improve, and can take on leadership responsibilities. I hope you continue to embody these qualities and strive to live by them. As a school, we have tirelessly worked to provide you with opportunities to develop these essential skills, and we will continue to do so for every year group that follows. Throughout your time here, you have participated in numerous events, extracurricular activities, and community projects such as the MSSD (Inter-district Sports Competition), the valuable Year 10 JISCOP (Jesselton International School Community Outreach Programme), and the YEP (Young Entrepreneurship Programme). These experiences have been designed to cultivate you as young leaders, and you have risen to the challenge magnificently. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and the outstanding leadership you have shown within our school. It has been an honor and a privilege to watch many of you grow from young students in Year 7 to the fine young adults you are today. As you continue through life, never forget to keep learning, keep having fun, and always strive to achieve your goals. I wish you continued success, a blessed future, and all the best in your future endeavors. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ms Catherine Siew Head of Secondary Ms Christine Wong Head of Primary Ms Erna Nasif Head of PE & Extracurricular Activities Dear Class of 2024, Flashback to the first time I met some of you in P2, when I was an assistant art teacher. Then, as a science teacher from P6 to Y9, and finally, as your chemistry teacher in Y10 and Y11, I have seen so much growth in you. Today is your graduation, and you are such an amazing group of students—very determined and enthusiastic, actively participating in both sports and academics. I wish all of you continued success in shining brightly and reaching higher to achieve your dreams. I will forever be proud of you. Love, Ms. Siew Dear Year 11, Congratulations on your graduation day! Take pride in this significant milestone and be aware that you have earned every bit of the success you have strived for. Discovering your purpose in life is an extraordinary experience. May your future be filled with limitless opportunities, just like the radiance of your smile! Congratulations, Class of 2024! You made it! I'm so honoured to have sailed this journey with you. Some of you I've known since Kindergarten, and seeing you grow has been a true privilege. As you move forward, I hope you continue to embrace learning and enjoy every step of the way. A big journey lies ahead, filled with new challenges and opportunities. Remember, if plan A doesn't work, there's always a plan B. Always think carefully before making decisions, but don't forget to have fun during the process. Love you all! Welcome to the journey of adulthood. ❤ M E S S A G E S F R O M T H E L E A D E R S H I P T E A M
Ms Nunik Ms Appril Ms Maria Ms Louise Ms Sandra Words of wisdom from your teachers! I’m lucky to have been given the trust to have most of you under my care since you were in Year 8. We’ve shared many unforgettable memories, but the one I’ll remember and miss the most will be your karaoke sessions! Now, go and choose your paths wisely, cherish every moment, and never lose sight of what's truly important. Thank you for our times together, and I wish each of you nothing but the very best! ❤ Congrats, grad! Your hard work paid off. The future is yours—make it amazing! Dear students! Congratulations on graduating and for all your achievements. The world needs your unique skills and talents, go forth and make a difference! Remember, if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. May your feet always take you where your heart wants to go. Congratulations on your graduation day! Here's to the late nights, the early mornings and all the moments in between, your hard work has paid off. May your graduation be the start of many more wonderful achievements in your life and let your dreams be as limitless as the sky. Dear class of 2024, as you step into the future, carry with you the lessons learned and the memories made. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities!
Mr Rodney Mr Owen Mr Terry Mr Emmanuel Words of wisdom from your teachers! Mr Barker Remember, the lessons you’ve learned here extend beyond textbooks and classroom walls. Keep asking questions, stay active, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Time flies so fast! It has been a wonderful 2-year journey with you guys. In a class full of different characters and personalities, each of you has shown love, respect and joy not only to each other but also to us teachers. All the best in your future endeavors and keep in touch! I want to wish each and every one of you a massive congratulations on completing your secondary education. You are a class full of great personalities and I have loved teaching all of you these past two years. Although you have now completed high school, remember that your education is just beginning and the learning process should continue for your whole life. Best of Luck and Good Wishes! I will miss you guys! Congratulations Y11. You guys are amazing, thank you for being an output. Being part of the process is never easy and endless. Being present is the most important. You have done it, now embark the new journey as an input and the output. Graduation is an exciting time. It marks both an ending and a beginning; it’s warm memories of the past and big dreams for the future. Today is a milestone. It tells you how far you’ve come. Keep learning, keep trying, keep accomplishing, and keep venturing on through your journey. Congratulations!
JANUARYstudents’ bday 14 Callista 30 Mia MARCH 1 Darshu 19 Kingsley APRIL 16 Lorina 18 Emerson MAY 5 Laxme 21 Asiyih JUNE 13 Xaviera 14 Seung Won 21 Ember JULY 4 Alex AUGUST 5 Ethan 5 Seoin 28 Yusuff SEPTEMBER 1 Adrian 23 Neha DECEMBER 30 Victoria
students’ bday Guess who! Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name:
A l e x
Thank you for all the m t e h mories. All e e best in verything!! Callista
D a r s h u
To JIS and my old classmates: thank you for making my time there enjoyable although I’m sincerely sorry for being troublesome. This school and its students are the only ones that I hold fond memories of, which I’m unable to say the same for any other E m e r s o n
E t h a n
I hope we see each other again friends Thank you all for giving me the best school year of my life. You all are very nice as I came to this school and hope someone experience the same
We made it guys! Finally, here we are graduating. Thanks for all the memories we’ve made over the years from Sayfol to JIS. No matter where you go next, I’m sure you’ll make it through and be super successful. Let’s meet up soon!! From, Laxme -JIS Class of 2024-
Favorit e moments Enjoy what you love Good Time s HighSchool Love you guys To all my classmates You all made my high school life beaut iful Thank you for always being so entertaining and wholesome From Neha Class of 2024
SEO IN
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING MY FRIENDS FOR ALL THESE YEARS. THE MEMORIES THAT WE HAVE MADE TOGETHER WILL FOREVER BE IRREPLACABLE. ALTHOUGH WE MAY NOT SEE EACH OTHER EVERYDAY, LET’S CONTINUE TO KEEP IN TOUCH AND MEET UP AGAIN ONE DAY... GOODLUCK TO EVERYONE AND GO REACH FOR YOUR DREAMS!!! CLASS OF 2024 -XAVIERA-
ALEXANDER ISAAC MAJAHAM ADRIAN LO CALLISTA GABRIELLE GIRSANG DARSHANT RAVIBALAN EMBERLYNN NGUI JIA YUAN EMERSON TSEN KWONG YOONG ETHAN NGUI ZHEXUAN ASIYIH CARMELA DOMINGO MARIAPAN JUNG SEUNG WON
NEHA ANIL POH YU WEN, VICTORIA XAVIERA HEE XIN YEE YUSUFF EHSAN CHOUDHURY MIA AHMED PARK SEO IN KINGSLEY CHAN WY KHIU LORINA JANELLE OLSON CHILDS LAXME CHANDRASEHKARAN
Student' s Speech p o h y u w e n , v i c t o r i a Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, family, teachers, principal, and my classmates of the class of 2024. My name is Victoria. Today, I stand before you on this podium just as usual, but it will be my last as a student of JIS. Standing here, I feel an overflow of emotions. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, I feel a great sense of happiness and accomplishment. For the past 6 years of primary school and 4 years of high school, all the essays I’ve written, the past papers, the homework, the revisions, the exams, and the last-minute cramming of information in the school hallways and the school’s dining table right before a test or exam with my peers, I am glad to say this tonight into this microphone to my peers and myself; we’ve earned the right to stand here. Before I continue, I just want to say I am so thankful to everyone who has been in my life. I dedicate my life and this graduation to these three people who have been my all-time supporters. They have sacrificed a huge part of their time, energy, and money to provide me with the best life, education, and environment to grow. To my papa, mummy, and popo, thank you for carrying me on your shoulder, holding my hands, supporting me, and opening a kindergarten and an international school for me. I can never thank you enough for all you’ve done. I’m standing here giving my speech in my graduation gown, all thanks to you. To the principal, Mr. Haes, thank you for the chocolates after exams. And, of course, everything you’ve done for us. Dear Ms. Louise, Ms. Neelam, Ms. Christine, Ms. Siew, Ms. Erna, Ms. Nunik, Ms. Sandra, Mr. Barker, Mr. Owen, Mr. Emmanuel, Mr. Terry, and many other teachers that have taught me, thank you for making school about more than just classwork. Through sports, we learned how to power through adversity and give it our best effort, win or lose. We learned the importance of discipline and good sportsmanship. Through other activities like participating in clubs and service projects, we learned how to work closely with others to achieve a common goal, and we had a lot of fun doing it. I am proud to tell the whole world that I have the coolest teachers who sing, joke, laugh, and gossip with us; let us watch movies and play Kahoot; teachers we can be ourselves with; teachers who taught me how to do public speaking; and a teacher who played in a famous music band. And thank you to the staff of JIS for keeping our school days organised. To my class of 2024, Oh, the drama we’ve had! I felt like it was a never-ending saga. But here we are, at the end of the beginning. Yeah, I like that song very much. Speaking of songs, singing and karaoke are what describe us best. I hope we get to chill, vibe, and sing some more songs in the future. I wish you all the best in your future! I won’t see you tomorrow, nor will I see you Monday, so I’ll say, “When I see you again!” Don’t forget! My name is Victoria. Thank you all so much for being a part of my teenage dream.
Student' s Speech a l e x a n d e r i . m a j a h a m Good evening, everyone! Friends, family, teachers, and, of course, the incredible Class of 2024! I’m so excited to stand here as your head prefect on this momentous occasion. Today, we celebrate not just our achievements but also the journey we’ve taken together over the past few years. It’s truly been a wonderful ride, full of ups and downs, laughter, and maybe a few tears, but here we are, stronger and ready for whatever comes next. First off, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to our teachers and staff. You’ve been our guides, our mentors, and our biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for your patience, your wisdom, and for pushing us to reach heights we never would’ve even thought possible. To our families, thank you for your endless support and for always being there for us. We couldn’t have done it without you. My fellow graduates, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Be proud of your accomplishments, big and small. As we look back, let’s remember the moments that made high school special: the late-night study sessions, the school concerts, the sports days, and the stupid moments we would have together. These memories are the threads that weave our high school experience together, creating our own unique tapestry of unforgettable moments. Looking ahead, the future is a blank canvas, and we hold the paintbrush. It’s both exciting and a little scary, but I believe in each and every one of us. We’ve proven time and again that we can rise to any challenge. So, whether you’re heading to college, starting a job, travelling the world, or figuring things out as you go, remember that you have the tools to build the life you want. With that, I would like to leave you with a quote from Jeff E. Ramon: “It’s amazing when strangers become friends, but it’s sad when friends become strangers.” Please don’t become a stranger to me. Text me about the new friends you make at college or work, call me when you need someone to talk to, invite me to your weddings, and come say hi if you see me out and about. Always know, as Woody from Toy Story said, “You have a friend in me.” Congratulations, Class of 2024! And thank you for listening.
Student' s Speech l o r i n a o . j . c h i l d s Good evening, everyone. Out of all the speeches I’ve done, this one was definitely the most challenging for me to write! Why? Because this is the only chance I’ll get to express how grateful and lucky I am to be a part of this class and this JIS family. I truly can’t believe that we’re graduating today. It feels like, in a blink of an eye, we went from carefree and clueless children to teenagers who have laughed, cried, and experienced a little more of the pain and joy that this world can bring. We still have a long way to go, and this graduation ceremony is just the beginning of our journey. Even though our high school days are over, I will cherish them forever because you all made each day special, memorable, and certainly hilarious—from our karaoke sessions to the most heated roast battles between you guys, all those moments will be engraved in my memory. I want to say thank you to all my classmates, who supported me when I was down, who helped me when I was behind on schoolwork or didn’t understand the lesson, who cheered me on when I needed it, and for making me feel like family. As most of you know, I’ve been in this class since I was 3 years old—all the way back in kindergarten back in Sayfol —and it’s been a heck of a ride! And although I’m quite sad to get off this ride, I was so blessed to meet and watch you all grow up beside me. I want you all to know I’m so proud and so inspired by all of you. You guys may not see it, but you guys are amazing! Creative, hardworking, empathetic, smart—the words to describe you guys go on and on! And take my word for it, okay? I’m pretty observant and have seen what you all have accomplished. I will miss you guys a lot when we eventually go our separate ways, but remember that no matter where you all go in the next few years, no matter which state, country, or continent you end up in, I will pray every day, hoping you all are happy, healthy, and living the best life you can, okay? Thank you for being my friends. I also want to thank the countless teachers who have raised me throughout the years, and the word “raise” is not an exaggeration, as I have been in your care for 30 hours a week for more than 13 years. I truly cannot accurately describe just how much the teachers in my life have done for me, and without them, I wouldn’t be here graduating. Thank you for not only giving me vast knowledge but for teaching me so much more than that—for teaching me how to have compassion, how to challenge myself, to believe in myself, how to think for myself, and to not be afraid of what life throws at me. You know my mom and I joke about how the teachers at school feel like my third parents, and thinking back, I think that is the case because many of you were there for me when I was at my lowest and didn’t know what to do, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being the best third parents ever and for helping me grow so much as a person. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my parents, who are the heroes who have pushed me to be my best since day one. I was really struggling to write this part because there’s so much I want to thank you for, but I’ll try my best. Thank you for everything you have done for me, from picking up my last-minute calls before exams to hugging me when I needed you, for working so hard to put me in this school, for never ever giving up on me, and so much more. I really can’t describe just how much your sacrifices and love mean to me, but you guys are the fuel that keeps the fire in me burning, and I hope that after this graduation I will continue to grow and become a person you are proud of. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of my speech, and I have no clever conclusion because I’ve said what I wanted to say. So here’s to the class of 2024, and one more large thank you to everyone who has supported us in getting us here! Thank you for listening!
Greetings to all teachers, students, and my fellow graduates. Can you all believe that we made it? Every day, we complained about how our mornings were off to a bad start. Our day has finally come! First of all, great job to all of us for finishing our IGCSEs; those were undoubtedly the most stressful two months of my 17 years of life. As we stand at the start of new beginnings, let’s take a moment to appreciate this significant milestone we’ve reached together. I'm not sure what everyone plans to do next, but let's take a moment to calm down and reflect before we begin another chapter of our lives. I'd like to thank the teachers first for supporting us throughout these two years. Your dedication and guidance have been invaluable, and your belief in our potential has driven us to succeed. You didn’t just teach us academic lessons; you taught us life lessons that we will carry with us forever. And to my classmates: I can’t imagine being in any other class. We’ve shared so many experiences that have bonded us together in a unique way. From group projects and school trips to everyday interactions, each of you has contributed to making this journey unforgettable. Now, let me address a few people who have made my high school life 100 times brighter. I’ll go in alphabetical order since I know they’d complain about the order otherwise! Alex, Ember, Laxme, Seoin, and Xaviera. Thank you for always being there for me. Your friendship has been a source of strength and joy. We’ve laughed together, supported each other through tough times, and created memories that will last a lifetime. You 5 even made the exam week interesting! I feel so privileged to have you all in my life. I couldn’t have asked for better friends. I also want to thank my parents, who supported me the most and pushed me through my entire school life. I’m not the easiest child to take care of, but they were patient and understanding. They celebrated my successes, comforted me in my failures, and always encouraged me to strive for my best. They are definitely my role models, showing me the importance of perseverance, kindness, and dedication. Thank you so much, and I love you both. If someone were to ask me what the most enjoyable moment in high school was, I don’t think I’d be able to answer. Of course, all the school events were fun. However, each and every single day was special to me in its own way. From the laughter we shared in the hallways to the challenges we faced in classrooms, all these moments are unforgettable memories. High school has been a journey filled with countless special moments, each one shaping me into who I am today. The daily interactions, the highs and lows, and the small victories have all contributed to a collection of experiences that I will cherish forever. As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, let’s remember the lessons we’ve learned and the bonds we’ve formed. Let’s carry forward the spirit of resilience, curiosity, and friendship that defined our high school years. This is not just an ending, but a new beginning. We have the power to shape our futures, and I am confident that each of us will achieve great things. Congratulations to the class of 2024, and here’s to the incredible journey that lies ahead! Student' s Speech m i a a h m e d
Student' s Speech n e h a a n i l I believe everyone in our lives has a purpose. They might leave after that purpose is completed and you have grown. And you both may walk diverging paths. But maybe that purpose lasts forever, and so will that relationship. Look around you. Maybe some of the relationships you made throughout your high school years will stick with you as you grow older, or maybe this is the last time we may see some of us. So, let’s all give a round of applause to an unforgettable night ahead! I want my fellow graduates to think about the kind of person you are now. Several years ago, you couldn’t even walk or form sentences with correct grammar and pronunciation. Look at you now! Sitting here at your own high school graduation. We’ve all changed and are still changing. The people around us helped shape who we are today. The same people we suffered with through classes. The same we made sweet and bitter memories with. The same way, we made regretful mistakes too. The same who have shared our happiness. Grasp all of that, and embody that as your youth. And never let go of that youth. Keep it with you as you grow older and meet new people, to remind you who you once were and to never let go of that connection to yourself. All my classmates, thank you for being so entertaining, eccentric, and so loud. So loud that I would never be able to get my time with you guys out of my head. Thank you to all the parents here who brought up such amazing people. And a special thanks to the girls who flipped my uneventful life around. You know who you are, but I just say your names aloud: Asiyih, Callista, Lorina, Victoria, and Farah. Every day with you guys at school was so wild. Thank you for all those times you hyped me up, even for the simplest things, for when we said and did the silliest stuff and would laugh so hard until we were convinced, we had 6-pack abs. Seriously. I want to thank you guys for comforting me and always being there when I looked around. To my wonderful, talented teachers, I can’t tell you how incredibly grateful I am for every activity you organise for the students and for all the classes you have given us. We know how hard you work for them. I love how every teacher and staff member at JIS has such an interesting, different personality. And even those who haven’t been in your classes, I have heard of what a joy it is to be in one of them. Thank you so much for teaching us and taking your time to help us improve. I will never forget all the opportunities you have given me. Mom, dad, there’s so much I want to say to you guys. But in front of this large audience and a short time limit, there’s only so much I can say. I promise to work hard and take you guys to places you have dreamt about. I will always put you both before myself, just as you have done for me all my life. Thank you for (I’ll try to make this list as short as possible) teaching me, protecting me, loving me, feeding me, and inspiring me. The same kid used to climb up into your arms and cry if you ever tried to put her down, and here I am now, graduating. And am I forgetting anyone? Ah, my sister. Listen, the only reason I’m saying this is because she didn’t come today. To my sister, I finally admit that you are the smarter and prettier sister. Just promise me one thing: as you go on your path in life, never forget your younger sister, because I’m always there for you, by your side. My classmates and everyone in this room, just because we are getting older, I hope that you won’t be scared to still dream. There’s a quote I found that I really liked. It’s by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; she was the first woman in Africa elected as president in her own country. She even won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, in recognition of her efforts to further women's rights. She said, and I quote, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” Thank you for this opportunity and your time.
Student' s Speech A S I Y I H c . d . M a r i a p a n To all the teachers, staff, parents, and family members of the students present today, good evening. To all the graduates, what’s up? First of all, I would like to thank God for making everything impossible possible. I would like to thank my mum and dad for always supporting me, no matter the hurdles. I would like to thank my friend group for listening to the weird stories I have to tell and understanding my ranging emotions throughout the two years. I would like to thank my classmates for making this school year wonderful. I’d like to thank all my school teachers and principal for giving me the opportunity to learn under their supervision and guidance. And finally, I would like to thank everyone who is involved in organising this event for their efforts to make sure we receive the best experience possible and to thank those who could join to witness this memorable event. When I first joined JIS in 2022, I was honestly not expecting much. Not in the sense of the school itself, but in my experiences being here for the next two years. A part of me was hurt by leaving behind my old home, friends, classmates, and teachers. I initially felt that I was entering an entirely new world. One where no one knew me, and I knew no one. I had to start everything all over again. Life seemed to be moving at its fastest pace, and I felt I could not catch up. As September approached, I had a list of rules I wanted to adhere to, as I was not willing to start anything. These rules seemed reasonable to me at the time. The first was to solely and only focus on my art. The second was to remain quiet. The third and final one was to not make any effort to make friends, and if I were to have made some by sheer luck, I would keep myself distant. If I had followed any of these rules, I would not be standing here giving this speech today. And most importantly, I would not be the person I am today. I have been very lucky for many years for always being put into the nicest year groups, but I think I struck gold with this one, as I haven’t had anything to top the unapologetic warmth and love it showed me. I am not proclaiming that this class is absolutely perfect. Though it has its flaws, I am willing to overlook them and to love this class as it is, because that’s all that matters to me. There is so much I want to say to everyone here that I fear I cannot put into words. And that’s a problem, but I will try to find a way to put my feelings into words. The way in which everyone invited me in at the start of Year 10 was something I had not seen before. I have moved schools a few times, and have not been given the chance to be with my classmates from start to finish, academically. Being here was like watching a show all the way up to the finale. Yes, I definitely missed a few seasons, but I have come to realise I did not need to witness it all. I see it in the way they treat each other. Subtle glances and playful words hide more than just untold stories, but emotions from the past that were impossible to explain. Gentle hugs and words of admiration all stem from an upbringing of encouragement. Exchanges of gifts and trinkets symbolise and display a bond that has grown over the years. Many people usually get selfish with their love, but in my experience, I watched and experienced it get shared. I am sure the rest of us who have entered this class during the later years have felt the same compassion. And I am sure we all appreciate it. It is not solely because we are in the same class that unites us, but because we genuinely form bonds because we see more than just appearances. We look into the hearts. We will definitely miss a lot of what happened these past few years. Whether it be long karaoke sessions anywhere we go, trying not to laugh in tense situations, or yelling at each other while we play games. We have dreams. They are the visions that guide us and the aspirations that fuel our desire to continue. Each of us has a unique dream—a vision of what we want to achieve and who we want to become. I think dreams can come true with hard work, hope, and patience. We all have those same virtues. Some of us may go on to admit that we don’t have dreams and don’t know what to do. To that I say, it’s never too late to find out. Dreams are always changing as our needs and wants evolve throughout the years and as we mature. We have all the time in the world to discover who we are and what we want. Never let anyone stop you from finding out what we want. Life is too short. I would like to share something I wrote. This was written when Year 10 was coming to an end. To make it clear, I am not a rapper. I simply imagine and create, and it so just happened that I expressed myself in a rap song. And I wrote this for this occasion in mind. And again, I made this in Year 10. I would not write my bars the way I did before. (refer to the back cover)
Zip Borneo, Kiulu They’l never know we have facial masks on! Breaking the record at Pitas. Online class during MCO The Great Gatsby Era
Dining Hall Gang Wow... look at them! I need a break. Umm, why am I here? What should I write? CHEERS! Do you remember when these photos were taken?
Kasih Sayang Health Resort Shout out to my teammates! Is this the right time for me to say something? Listen up, everyone! Don’t mess up, we can do this! ESports gang
Just look cool. Look cute. They got the trophy this time! Let them enjoy it while it lasts! Getting ready for IGCSE. Hello, there! Let’s remember all these moments.
Every ending is just a new beginning.
Messages & Autographs
Messages & Autographs
P r e tt y s k i e s, s e e a l l t h e c o n st e l l a ti o n s, S h i n e b r i g h t a n d b e t h e w o rl d ’s s e n s a ti o n s, W it h n e w l i v e s, t h e r e c o m e s f a sci n a ti o n , O f t h e w o r l d , w it h i n t h e s e sc h o o l f o u n d a ti o n s, T w e n t y - t w e n t y f o u r , w e cl e a n e d u p t h e c h o r e s, S e v e n - t h i rt y , s w i n g o u t t h e sc h o o l d o o rs, T h a t e v e r y t h i n g w e t h o u g h t w e ’ d i g n o r e , Y o u g o t m e f r o m t h e b a c k , scr e a m i n g o u t “ E n c o r e ! ” T h r i v e f r o m t h e h e a rt, n o d i a m o n d s ‘ n B u l g a r i , P r o v i n g t h e i r w o rt h f r o m t h e f r o n t, n o t b e h i n d m e , A B C D E F G , N o m a tt e r w h a t, w e a r e i n t h is w i n n i n g s p r e e , F u n a n d l o v i n g i n e v e r y b o d y e ls e ’s e y e s, W h a t t h e y d o n ’t r e a l is e ? T h e y ’ r e a n g e ls i n d is g u is e . S h o w e r y a ’ l l w it h f l o w e rs, t h e r o s e s m a y d i e , B u t t h e str o n g l o v e w it h i n m e , I n e v e r e v e r l i e , C h o r u s: It’s g r a d u a ti o n d a y Y e a r 1 1s a r e t h e o n e s t h a t p a v e d t h e w a y , ( U h h u h ) It’s g r a d u a ti o n d a y , L o v e a n d h a r d w o r k g o t u s h e r e t o d a y (x2) Y e a r e l e v e n s r u n t h e w o rl d w it h G o d ’s a f f e cti o n , B l e ssi n g s t o c o n ti n u e o n w it h G o d ’s p r o t e cti o n , L e a d t h e w a y f o r t h e b e st d i r e cti o n , Li g h t r a y s t o tr a c k d o w n t h e s h i n i n g r e f l e cti o n , T h e m y stic c h a n c e t o k n o w e v e r y o n e o f y o u , I ’ d n e v e r r e p l a c e a n y o f t h is w it h s o m e t h i n g n e w , L e t’s e x p e r i m e n t a n d l e a d t o t h e b r e a k t h r o u g h , M a t e ri a l , s p i r it u a l , w e ’ l l d e f i n e “ w h a t’s n e w ” , S o , l i v e o u t o u r l i v e s s o w e ’ l l n e v e r r e g r e t, S m i l e s a l l a r o u n d u s, w e s h o u l d n e v e r f o r g e t, D o n ’t b e m a d , t a k e it sl o w , s w itc h t h e p a l e tt e , C r e a t e a n d str i v e , k n o w t h e v i b e , n o r o o m t o r e s e t, D r i v e t o cl a i m t h a t g o a l , it r e sts u p s k y h i g h , It’s n e v e r t o o l a t e t o cl a i m y o u r p r i z e , A sc e n d t o t h e n e xt w o rl d w it h g l itt e r i n y o u r e y e s, W e a r e t h e c o n st e l l a ti o n s, st a r e u p a t t h e s k i e s. Asiyih