EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

“Two years ago I left my high school in Brazil and went straight into IB at AIS. At that time I didn’t understand what IB was and as I started the course, I realized that to maintain my high academic standards I would have to work hard. And that’s what I did. I gave my best every day to overcome the challenges of a new language and country, which didn’t come without anxiety. Fortunately, I met some special people at AIS that made my IB journey more enjoyable; such as Mr Semaan, in whom I found support; and Miss Hlawatsch and Miss Torres, in whom I found kindness and warmth. But truly, I am grateful for everyone involved in the past two years because the amount of things that I learned about myself and the world is beyond measure.”

Bastien Buwalda studied a triple science in the IB diploma. He shares how important his teachers were to his academic journey “Throughout the entirety of my AIS experience, most of the teachers I had were incredibly supportive of my academic journey and school career - a very large thank in particular to Mr Gardner, Mr Midgely, Ms Zwanniken, Dr MartinMr Griffiths, Ms Torres and Mr Van Wijk (who is now sadly teaching elsewhere) for making those last two years some of the best of my time AIS.”

Shihan joined the school in 2019 (year 9), she enrolled in the EAL programme (English as an Additional Language) for approximately 1 year before she successfully transitioned to mainstream. She shares with us the challenges she faced “I have attended AIS since the end of 2019. The thing that I liked most about AIS was the comfortable studying atmosphere and many multicultural activities that let me fully enjoy my school life. My favourite subject was economics, and even though I’m not particularly good at it, I’m fascinated by how it interacts with society, and how the way of thinking is quite different. My favourite teacher is our head of Year 12, Mr. Midgley, who is also my chemistry teacher. He is a very nice and humorous teacher, and his classes are always quite funny.”

Most of us want to feel good, but achieving optimum status between body, mind and soul is not easy. You may be at maximum fitness, but your brain feels frazzled. Perhaps your mental focus is razor sharp, but your physical self is falling apart.

Whatever you need to be at your best, there is no denying how much healthier living can contribute to higher levels of happiness. Turn to p24 where local experts share valuable tips to get positive energy pumping. If you just begin with one of their hacks you’ll be on the right track!

Spiritedness often starts in the mind. If you’re lacking confidence and direction right now, or riddled by negative introspection, our thoughtful piece on p34 might help to overhaul your thinking patterns. Alternatively, if it’s motivation you need to lift you up, head to p30 where - in tribute to International Women’s Day on 8 March - three fabulous females share the challenges they went through when setting up their own companies here in Singapore. It’s inspiring stuff!

Of course, it’s not all about the girls. Every reader’s heart will feel fit to burst thanks to the gorgeous story of ANZA member Mark and his therapy dog Bentley on p38. Lastly, as research has found that just moving your mouth into a smile can make you feel automatically cheerier, don’t miss our round-up of Singapore’s best comedy clubs on p22.

Exercise, wellness, a sense of community, healing cuddles* and having a laugh - the opportunity to indulge in all of these endorphin-boosting activities (and so many more) are all part of the package when you sign up to ANZA. You’ve literally got the finest things in life at your very fingertips already - feeling good just got so much simpler! Enjoy!

Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg

*Don’t quote me on the cuddles!